Dough – What effect does orange juice have when used in dough

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I was following a recipe to make some Middle Eastern inspired Olive bread, and the recipe called for a cup of orange juice in the dough.

I was intrigued by this as I had not seen it before.

What effect would the orange juice have when use in the dough? Are there any specific reasons to use orange juice in dough?

Here is the rest of the recipe for the dough:

  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp. baking powder

Best Answer

There are several reasons for adding orange juice:

  • The first is for flavor.

  • The second is to act as an acid.

    Although in this particular case,the acid is already in the baking powder. All baking powder needs to act as a leavening agent is some kind of liquid. Unless you meant baking soda, in which case an acid is necessary for leavening.

  • The third is to inhibit mold growth.

    The real reason vitamin C is added is as a dough enhancer, not for gluten development. Since this is a quick bread (no yeast), gluten development is not a main concern.

  • The fourth reason for the orange juice is to make a tender crumb.

    Because of the fructose found naturally in it. Sugars are added to baked goods as a tenderizing agent.

This recipe sounds yummy!

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