Can you use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

You can use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh, but it's not always ideal. Here's a breakdown:

When bottled lemon juice is fine:

* Convenience: It's pre-squeezed and ready to use, which is great for quick recipes or if you don't have a lemon on hand.

* Baking: Bottled lemon juice is often more consistent in acidity than fresh, which is important for baking recipes where the exact acidity affects the outcome.

When fresh lemon juice is preferable:

* Flavor: Fresh lemon juice has a more complex and brighter flavor than bottled.

* Nutrition: Fresh lemon juice contains more vitamin C and antioxidants than bottled.

* Freshness: Bottled lemon juice can have a slightly stale or artificial taste compared to fresh.

Tips for using bottled lemon juice:

* Dilute it: Bottled lemon juice is often more concentrated than fresh, so you may need to dilute it with water for some recipes.

* Taste and adjust: Always taste your dish after adding bottled lemon juice and adjust the amount to your liking.

* Look for quality: Choose a bottled lemon juice that's made from real lemons, with no added preservatives or artificial flavors.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you and depends on your preference and the recipe you're making. If you're looking for the best flavor and nutrition, fresh lemon juice is always the way to go. However, bottled lemon juice can be a convenient and acceptable substitute in many cases.