Can I use grated lemon peel from my spices instead of grate lemon zest from a real lemon?

Question

I am making a lemon merigue pie and the recipe call for 1 tsp grated lemon zest. I have grated lemon peel in my spice rack can I use that instead?

Answer 1

The taste will be fine, I'm just not sure about the texture. I have used grated lemon peel that I took from a fresh lemon and then froze it. I am not sure what the texture is of the lemon peel in your spice rack. If it goes into the cooked portion of the pie, then the texture will soften while cooking.

Answer 2

No, it is a poor substitute. Real lemon peel has natural oils full of flavor. If you are going to the trouble of making a pie, use the real thing.

Answer 3

GOOD answer:
Yes you can use your spice rack lemon zest.

BEST answer:
Fresh Lemon Zest from the rind is PACKED with flavor!! Don't short change yourself or your recipe!!

Answer 4

You would be MUCH better off with fresh, especially since lemon is the star flavor in your pie. The dried stuff is weak, but bitter when compared to the fresh. If you don't have fresh, I would wait or make something else.

Answer 5

It'll be flat tasting. Nothing beats the taste of fresh lemons.

Answer 6

Yes, but start off using 1/2 teaspoon and see how it tastes, then add more if you feel it needs it. When things are dehydrated, their flavor intensifies.

Answer 7

Yes, but you might need to use a different amount to get the same flavour.

Answer 8

re-hydrate it and yes. Cooking isn't an exact science. Have fun and substitute what you have for what they want. These kind of experiments end up with the greatest results. Go for it!!!!!

Answer 9

absolutely!

Answer 10

YES