Citrus fruits are a symphony for the senses in the kitchen and the perfect refreshment on a hot day.
Their vibrant colours, intoxicating aromas, and that perfect balance of sweet and tart elevate everything they touch, from light and airy desserts to savoury sauces with a touch of sunshine.
But when it comes to utilizing citrus in the kitchen, we often find ourselves reaching for the trusty juicer, relegating the zest to a supporting role. However, there’s a hidden world of flavour waiting to be explored within that colourful outer rind, and your trusty cream whipper can be transformed into a citrus party machine, ready to unlock amazing flavours and ideas. Not to mention impressing a few people! This is definitely not a boring old way to use lemons! (Not that we’re calling things like lemonade boring, but…)
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Citrus isn’t about just lemons
Beyond the ubiquitous lemon, the citrus family boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with its own unique flavour profile. Lemon, the undisputed king of citrus desserts, offers a bright, clean acidity that pairs beautifully with everything from berries to chocolate.
But for those seeking a more vibrant citrus punch, look no further than grapefruit, lime, or orange.
Grapefruit zest brings a delightful bitterness to the party, perfect for cutting through the richness of a decadent chocolate cake or balancing the sweetness of a tropical fruit salad. Orange zest, on the other hand, is a burst of sunshine, adding a touch of floral sweetness alongside its tang.
For those seeking an escape to the tropics, a touch of lime zest does the trick. Its lively acidity and subtle floral notes are the perfect partner for a slice of coconut cream pie or a refreshing summer cocktail.
But wait, there’s more: mandarin oranges and blood oranges offer a more nuanced citrus experience, their sweetness tinged with a hint of floral perfume. These unique flavours make them ideal partners for decadent chocolate desserts, adding a layer of complexity that takes your taste buds on a journey.
And for the adventurous cooks out there, yuzu presents a fascinating option. This Japanese citrus fruit boasts a complex flavour profile that’s both tangy and floral, with a subtle peppery kick. A pinch of yuzu zest in your whipped cream adds a layer of intrigue, perfect for surprising and delighting your guests.
So now that we have our citrus listed and we can imagine all the different types of desserts they go well with let’s see how we can bring a whipping cream dispenser to the party.
The flavour profiles we listed will help you to mix and match your citrus fruit to the perfect dessert.
Citrus whipped cream – Directions
Here’s how you can use citrus fruit to make whipped cream in a whipped cream dispenser:
Ingredients:
- Heavy cream: Cold heavy cream is essential for achieving fluffy whipped cream. Aim for at least 32% milk fat for best results. (2 cups or 480ml)
- Powdered sugar: This helps sweeten and stabilize the whipped cream. (2 tablespoons or 25g)
- Citrus zest: Freshly grated zest is key for the most intense citrus flavour. (1-2 teaspoons, depending on your preference and citrus strength)
- Vanilla extract (optional): A touch of vanilla extract can complement the citrus flavour, but it’s not essential. (1/2 teaspoon)
- N2O charger: This provides the pressure to create whipped cream.
Note: Citrus zest contains tons of essential oils, which help to flavour your whipped cream. Fatty cream is the perfect carrier for oils, and this is why this recipe works so well.
Important note – it’s best to leave some zest over for garnishing. People do love a visual reminder of what’s in the cream! 🙂
Instructions:
- Prep the Citrus: Wash and dry your chosen citrus fruit (lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc.). Using a fine-grated microplane zester, grate only the coloured outer rind, avoiding the white pith, which can be bitter. Aim for 1-2 teaspoons of zest, adjusting based on your desired citrus intensity.
- Combine Ingredients: In a clean, chilled bowl, combine the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, citrus zest, and vanilla extract (if using). Note: Chilling the bowl helps the cream whip faster and creates a lighter texture.
- Whip it Up! Pour the mixture into your whipped cream dispenser. Important: Don’t overfill the dispenser – follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maximum fill line. Screw on the lid tightly and charge the dispenser with one N2O charger.
- Shake & Rest: Give the dispenser a good shake for about 15-20 seconds in a vertical motion. This incorporates the N2O and creates fluffy whipped cream. Let the dispenser rest for a minute to allow the gas to be distributed evenly.
- Dispense & Enjoy!: Hold the dispenser upside down and point the nozzle towards your serving bowl. Gently squeeze the handle to dispense the citrus-infused whipped cream. Decorate your favourite desserts, top a cup of coffee, or enjoy it on its own!
Don’t hesitate to use this in hot drinks as well: espresso is the perfect match for citrus.
Final Words of Wisdom
In conclusion, making citrus-infused whipped cream with your whipped cream dispenser is a fun and easy way to elevate your desserts and drinks.
The possibilities are endless, from classic lemon to more adventurous flavours like yuzu. So next time you’re craving a touch of citrusy sunshine, grab your favourite citrus fruit, whip up a batch of this delightful cream, and get ready to tantalize your taste buds! We can almost guarantee that if you do this, you will impress.
Resources
https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/lemon-whipped-cream/
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/lemon-whipped-cream-234449