Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice offers a convenient and versatile way to add zesty citrus flavor to your culinary creations. This 100% pure lemon juice is made from organic lemons and contains no additives or preservatives. The juice is USDA certified organic and Non-GMO Project verified, ensuring a high-quality product that meets strict standards.
Available in 16 oz and 32 oz glass bottles, Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice provides a shelf-stable alternative to fresh lemons. It can be used in cooking, baking, and beverage preparation. The juice is pasteurized and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Consumers appreciate the consistent flavor and convenience of Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice. It eliminates the need for squeezing lemons while still delivering authentic taste. The product’s versatility makes it a popular choice for home cooks and mixologists alike.
Origins and Brand
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice stems from a company committed to organic farming and sustainable practices. The product reflects the brand’s dedication to quality and environmental responsibility.
Santa Cruz Organic: The Company
Santa Cruz Organic began in 1972 as a small company focused on producing organic juices. Based in California, it pioneered organic food production in the United States. The company’s founders believed in sustainable agriculture and chemical-free farming methods.
Santa Cruz Organic expanded its product line over the years. It now offers a variety of organic juices, sauces, and spreads. The brand maintains strict quality standards and holds USDA Organic certification for its products.
Evolution of Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice emerged as a staple in the brand’s lineup. The product is made from 100% organic lemons, not from concentrate. It carries both USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified labels.
The juice’s popularity grew due to its versatility in cooking and baking. It offers a convenient alternative to fresh lemons while maintaining a pure, organic profile. Santa Cruz Organic continues to refine its production methods to ensure consistent quality and taste in every bottle.
Nutritional Profile
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice offers a concentrated source of citrus flavor with minimal calories. Its nutritional profile includes key vitamins and minerals while being low in macronutrients.
Serving Size and Calories
The typical serving size for Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice is 1 teaspoon (5 mL). This small serving contains 0 calories, making it an excellent option for those watching their calorie intake.
For comparison, a 2 tablespoon (30 mL) serving, equivalent to the juice of one medium lemon, would still provide minimal calories. The low calorie content allows for flexible use in recipes and beverages without significantly impacting daily calorie goals.
Vitamins and Minerals Content
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. While specific amounts may vary, lemon juice is generally a good source of this essential nutrient.
The juice also provides small amounts of other vitamins and minerals naturally present in lemons. These may include:
- Potassium
- Folate
- Calcium
- Magnesium
Daily Value Percentages
Due to its concentrated nature and small serving size, Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice contributes minimal percentages to daily nutritional requirements based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The juice contains:
- Total Fat: 0g (0% DV)
- Sodium: 0mg (0% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 0g (0% DV)
- Protein: 0g
While these values are negligible, the juice’s vitamin C content may contribute a small percentage to the Daily Value for this nutrient. The exact percentage can vary based on processing and storage conditions.
Quality and Certifications
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice meets rigorous quality standards and holds important certifications. These credentials demonstrate the company’s commitment to organic practices and non-GMO ingredients.
Non-GMO Project Verified
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice carries the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. This certification ensures the product contains no genetically modified organisms. The Non-GMO Project is a nonprofit organization that provides third-party verification for non-GMO food and products.
To earn this verification, Santa Cruz Organic undergoes a comprehensive evaluation process. This includes thorough ingredient testing and supply chain assessments. The Non-GMO Project Verified seal gives consumers confidence that the lemon juice is produced without genetically modified ingredients.
Certified USDA Organic
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice is certified USDA Organic. This certification guarantees the product meets strict federal guidelines for organic production. To achieve USDA Organic status, the lemons used must be grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides for at least three years prior to harvest.
The organic certification extends beyond just the fruit. It also covers processing methods and facilities. This ensures the entire production process maintains organic integrity. The USDA Organic seal on Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice signifies a product free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
Santa Cruz Organic’s lemon juice is also not from concentrate. This means the juice is extracted directly from fresh lemons without additional processing or water removal. The result is a pure, unadulterated lemon juice that retains its natural flavor and nutritional properties.
Usage in Foods and Beverages
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice offers versatility in culinary applications and beverage preparations. Its concentrated citrus flavor enhances both savory and sweet dishes while adding a refreshing twist to drinks.
Culinary Use in Cooking and Baking
In cooking, Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice serves as a natural flavor enhancer. It brightens seafood dishes and adds zest to marinades for meats and vegetables. The juice can be used to create tangy salad dressings or incorporated into sauces for pasta and poultry.
For baking, it provides acidity to activate leavening agents in cakes and muffins. Lemon bars, tarts, and pies benefit from its pure, concentrated flavor. The juice can also be used in glazes for cookies or drizzled over fruit desserts for a burst of citrus.
Mixing in Beverages and Cocktails
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice shines in beverage applications. It’s an essential ingredient in homemade lemonade, offering consistent flavor without the need for squeezing fresh lemons. The juice can be added to iced tea for a classic Arnold Palmer or mixed into smoothies for a vitamin C boost.
In cocktails, it serves as a key component in many classic recipes. Whiskey sours, lemon drop martinis, and gin fizzes all benefit from its pure, tart flavor. Mocktails and spritzers can be easily crafted by combining the juice with sparkling water and sweeteners.
Product Details
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice comes in various sizes and packaging options. It is readily available in many grocery stores across the United States.
Packaging and Sizes
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice is offered in 16-ounce and 32-ounce bottles. The 16-ounce bottle contains approximately 95 servings, with each serving size being 1 teaspoon. For the 32-ounce bottle, there are about 189 total servings.
The product is packaged in clear plastic bottles, allowing customers to see the bright yellow juice inside. Each bottle features the Santa Cruz Organic logo and label, clearly indicating that it is 100% pure lemon juice.
Availability in Grocery Stores
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice can be found in many major grocery chains and natural food stores across the United States. It is typically stocked in the juice aisle or the organic/natural foods section of supermarkets.
Some retailers may offer the product in packs of 6 bottles, which can be convenient for bulk purchases. Online marketplaces like Amazon also carry Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice, making it accessible to those who prefer to shop from home.
The product’s widespread availability ensures that consumers can easily incorporate this versatile organic lemon juice into their cooking and beverage needs.
Nutritional Information Discussion
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice offers a concentrated source of vitamin C and other nutrients. The product’s label provides key details about its nutritional content and potential health impacts.
Interpreting the Label
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice contains no added sugars or preservatives. The nutrition facts panel lists calories, carbohydrates, and vitamin C content per serving.
A typical 1 tablespoon (15 mL) serving contains:
- Calories: 3-4
- Total Carbohydrates: 1g
- Vitamin C: 10-15% of Daily Value
The juice is fat-free and protein-free. Its acidity comes from naturally occurring citric acid.
Health Considerations
Lemon juice provides several potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. Its high vitamin C content supports immune function and collagen production.
The juice’s acidity may aid digestion for some individuals. However, excessive consumption could potentially erode tooth enamel or aggravate acid reflux symptoms.
Lemon juice can be used as a low-calorie flavoring alternative to sugar in beverages and recipes. Its antioxidants may offer protective effects against cellular damage.
Those with citrus allergies or sensitivities should avoid this product. As with any dietary change, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.
Recipes and Uses
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice offers versatility in cooking and beverage preparation. Its concentrated form provides a convenient way to add zesty flavor and brightness to various dishes and drinks.
Integrating into Daily Diet
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice can easily be incorporated into daily meals and beverages. Add a splash to water for a refreshing drink or use it in morning smoothies for a vitamin C boost.
In savory dishes, it brightens flavors in marinades, salad dressings, and sauces. Try squeezing a few drops over grilled fish or roasted vegetables before serving.
For baking, use it as a substitute for fresh lemon juice in recipes like lemon bars or citrus-flavored cakes. The juice also works well in homemade preserves and jams, adding a tangy kick.
Creative Recipes
Craft delicious iced teas by mixing Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice with brewed tea and sweetener. For a twist, add mint leaves or other fruit juices.
Create a quick lemonade by combining the juice with water and sugar to taste. Experiment with flavored simple syrups for unique variations.
Use the juice in cocktails like lemon drop martinis or whiskey sours. It’s perfect for mocktails too – mix with sparkling water and a splash of cranberry juice for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
In cooking, try a lemon butter sauce for pasta or a lemon vinaigrette for salads. The juice can also be used to make tangy lemon curd or as a key ingredient in homemade mayonnaise.
Consumer Information
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice requires proper storage and handling to maintain its quality and safety. Consumers should be aware of recommended storage methods and shelf life to get the most out of this versatile product.
How to Store
Store unopened bottles of Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, refrigerate the juice promptly. Keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use to prevent contamination and maintain freshness.
For optimal flavor preservation, transfer smaller amounts to a separate container for frequent use, leaving the main bottle undisturbed in the refrigerator. Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods, as lemon juice can absorb odors.
If freezing is desired, pour the juice into ice cube trays for convenient portioning. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Shelf Life and Expiration
Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice typically has a shelf life of 12-18 months when unopened and stored properly. Check the “Best By” date printed on the bottle for guidance. Once opened, consume within 6-8 months for best quality, though the juice may remain safe to use beyond this time if properly refrigerated.
Signs of spoilage include changes in color, off odors, or visible mold growth. If any of these occur, discard the product immediately. The acidity of lemon juice helps extend its shelf life, but it can degrade over time, affecting flavor and potency.
For optimal freshness, use within 3-4 months of opening. When using in recipes, taste a small amount first to ensure the desired flavor intensity is still present.