Lemon price rise: 7 smart and inexpensive lemon substitutes

After onion, garlic and tomato, this time inflation has hit lemons badly. As per latest reports, prices of lemons have gone up as high as Rs 350 per kilogram. According to news agency ANI, lemon is being sold at ₹ 10 per kg in Hyderabad. In Gujarat, it is being sold at ₹ 200 per kg. Traders blame the rising fuel prices for the increase in lemon rates. Another reason for price hike is due to a shortage in supply and high demand during the ongoing summer season. The agency report claims that the production of the lemon crop has been less this time and the demand is high due to Ramzan and due to the increase in temperature. Well, keeping the rise in rates in view, it is surely not going to be an easy summer to enjoy lemonade. All one can think of is to look for inexpensive alternatives that can be used for salads, soups, beverages, and for baking purposes. Take a look at these clever and inexpensive substitutes for lemon juice that you can try. (Image: istock)

For salads and dressings, you can opt for orange juice, which is less acidic, sweeter, and less tart than lemon juice. Also, the aroma of orange juice will enhance the flavour of the final dish.

Vinegar is a perfect substitute for lemon juice that can be used for baking and cooking too. Experts also suggest that as vinegar has a strong and pungent aroma, it should not be used in place of lemon juice in recipes where lemon is one of the key flavours.

Also Read: Handy culinary uses of lemon you must know

As per health experts, citric acid is a healthy alternative as it prevents vitamins and antioxidants from being destroyed during cooking and hence it is considered as an effective alternative to lemon juice.

This one is an inexpensive substitute that you can use for curries. It also adds a lighter hue to the final dish.

It is an acidic powder easily available at any grocery store and can be used in place of lemon juice in baking and cooking too. As it is in powder form, you may need to add water to dilute it and make it perfect for cooking/baking purposes.

This is another ready-to-use alternative easily available at grocery stores and only a drop or two is enough to replace a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. It is highly recommended for baking purposes.

Yes, you read it right! You can also replace lemon juice with white wine. It is best suited for deglazing chicken or salmon.

Next time when you shop lemon, always grate some zest and store it for future. It works well in desserts and recipes where you just need a hint of lemon.

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