Stories
How to read a citrus crate label, with Redlands examples
How California's citrus crate labels were printed and used, why the town on a label can mislead, and Redlands labels you can view in public...
Smudge pots and frost nights in the California groves
By 1915 Southern California's citrus groves held at least a million oil-burning heaters. What a smudge pot did on a frost night, why California legislated...
California Didn’t Just Grow Roses—It Made Rose History
California played an outsized role in American rose history. From nineteenth-century Riverside climbing sports to twentieth-century breakthroughs from Armstrong Nurseries and Descanso Gardens, these five...
Who Invented the Fruit Sticker? It Started With Redlands Oranges
Those little labels on apples, bananas and oranges have an unexpected California history. Redlands citrus grower and inventor William N. Moore patented an early system...
Old California Botanicals on Talk Ag To Me: JP Beall Discusses California Citrus, Marmalade, and Redlands Heritage
Listen to JP Beall of Old California Botanicals on Talk Ag To Me discussing California citrus, Redlands heritage, agriculture, and award-winning marmalade. Old California Botanicals...
Old California Botanicals in the News: Eight Marmalade Medals, California Senate Honors, and Redlands Citrus Heritage
Old California Botanicals has been featured by Raincross Gazette, Patch, and the California State Senate for its award-winning California citrus marmalades and Redlands heritage. Old...
Marmalade in California: From Redlands to the World
A history of marmalade production in California, highlighting Redlands pioneers such as Homer P.D. Kingsbury and Mary Jamison Brown and their role in early 20th-century...
Why Our First Marmalade Batches Sold Out So Quickly
OCB marmalade is only made when California citrus is at its peak—which means limited batches and seasonal sellouts. Here's why that happens and what it...
Old California Botanicals' J.P. Beall Headed to the National Discussion Meet Competition
JP Beall of Old California Botanicals heads to the National Discussion Meet—bringing the story of California citrus heritage, marmalade craftsmanship, and small-batch artisan production to...
Featured in 2025 Gift Guides & Community Press
OCB's handmade California citrus products earned spots in 2025 holiday gift guides and community press features—recognized for quality, local heritage, and giftable artisan appeal.
Why Real Marmalade Starts in the Grove, Not the Kitchen
The secret to award-winning marmalade isn't technique—it's terroir. OCB explains how California's microclimates, tree-ripened fruit, and fifth-generation farming knowledge create flavor no recipe alone can...
Sourdough Before Commercial Yeast
Sourdough predates commercial yeast by centuries. Discover the history of wild fermentation and how OCB's small-batch Orange Blossom Sourdough Starter connects your kitchen to California's...
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