California Soda

This recipe is in collaboration with the Alliance for Food & Farming. I attended the “Safe Fruits and Veggies Farm Tour” which was paid for by the Alliance for Food & Farmingand sponsored by California Citrus Mutual, California Fresh Fruit Association, California Table Grape Commission, International Fresh Produce Association, Pear Bureau Northwest, andWestern Growers Association. All views are my own.

This recipe for California soda was inspired by a recent tour I attended with the Alliance for Food and Farming.

I had the privilege of touring California orchards where I sampled fresh orange juice, then enjoyed it in a California farm favorite – a California soda!

This two-ingredient soda is fresh orange juice with a bit of carbonation from seltzer water or club soda for a refreshingly fizzy flavor.

It’s so delicious and easy to make!

How to make California soda

Featured Ingredients

• Orange juice: The fresher, the better! Yet, your favorite citrus juice will work great.
• Seltzer water: Add as much or as little seltzer water to make this soda fizzy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill 4 12-ounce glasses with ice.
2. Divide the orange juice and seltzer water or club soda equally into the 4 glasses.
3. Serve immediately.

Recipe Substitutions and Alterations

• For the orange juice: Try with any citrus juice.
• For the seltzer water: Use any fizzy soda or water. Lemon lime flavored soda would also be delicious.

Nutrition Considerations

• To make this gluten free: This recipe does not contain gluten. Be sure all ingredients you choose are gluten free.
• To make this dairy free: This recipe does not contain dairy.
• To make this vegan: This recipe does not contain animal products.
• To make this nut free: This recipe does not contain nuts. Be sure all ingredients you choose are nut free.
• To make this egg free: This recipe does not contain eggs.

Touring a Citrus Grove

As part of the citrus orchard tours, I was fortunate enough to see how citrus is grown and harvested first-hand.

While I’ve always appreciated the endless culinary uses and nutritional properties of citrus, I now have more of an appreciation for the time, consideration and labor that goes into planning, growing, and harvesting citrus fruits.

California citrus growers are dedicated to growing the most plump, juicy and delicious citrus fruits in the country.

I had the honor of touring multiple packing houses too see first-hand how carefully citrus is selected and cared for to make it to consumer’s tables in the best shape possible.

Any citrus that doesn’t meet the requirements to be sold fresh is made into juice, meaning no fruit goes to waste.

Fun facts about citrus:

• According to the California Citrus Mutual, California citrus growers collectively grow oranges, lemons, mandarins and grapefruit across about 250,000 acres in California.
• California citrus growers support rural communities and provide opportunities for employment to many hard working California families.
• California produce, including citrus, is safe to eat and nutritious.
  • Most Americans do not consume enough fruits and vegetables, and consuming more citrus can help achieve the recommended number of servings per day.
  • For more information regarding the safety of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, visit www.safefruitsandveggies.com.
• California citrus growers practice safe, sustainable farming practices.
  • Whether citrus is grown on a small family farm, an organic farm or a large corporate farm, it’s safe to eat and nutritious.
• Citrus is an excellent ingredient to use in the kitchen.
  • Not only is the flesh sweet and juicy, but the zest and juice provide immense flavor in recipes.
  • In fact, the acidity in citrus juice can help mimic salt, meaning you can use less salt while maintaining optimal flavor.
• Citrus is nutritious, as it’s packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber and antioxidants.
  • It’s low in calories, sodium and contains only natural sugars.

What is the Alliance for Food and Farming?

The Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 which represents organic and conventional farmers of fruits and vegetables and farms of all sizes.

AFF contributors are limited to farmers of fruits and vegetables, companies that sell, market or ship fruits and vegetables or organizations that represent produce farmers.

Our mission is to deliver credible information about the safety of produce.

An example of the Alliance for Food and Farming’s work can be found at www.safefruitsandveggies.com.

This website exists as a resource for science-based information for consumers so that facts, not fears, can guide their shopping choices.

Citrus recipes you'll love:

• Citrus Arugula Salad with Pomegranate
• Ramen Noodle Salad with Orange Sesame Dressing
• Cranberry Orange Mocktails
• Carrot, Chickpea and Raisin Salad
• Pan Seared Scallops with Orange Ginger Sauce
• Citrus and Pomegranate Mascarpone Cups

Print