Orange Works Café is definitely off the beaten path, but people from all over the state flock to the small town of Strathmore to taste their famous orange ice cream. 

The tiny town of Strathmore, population 3000, is located at the edge of citrus country, where the Central Valley blends into the Sierra Nevada foothills. It’s safe to say that the orange trees outnumber the actual people.

Visitors might be surprised to learn that this small town is home to one of the Valley’s most iconic eateries – Orange Works Café. Their marquis menu item is Orange Ice Cream – think soft serve but with an unbelievably fresh citrus kick. If you’ve never tasted Orange Ice Cream, you’re in for a treat. But be warned, once you’ve experienced this creamy, citrus-infused dream, you’ll definitely want to come back for more!

Why is Orange Juice Ice Cream so popular?

If you’ve never visited Orange Works Café, you’re probably wondering, “What is orange ice cream”?  We can try to describe it…but it’s really unlike anything we’ve ever tasted. This beloved dessert has the texture of soft-serve ice cream – but saturated with the fresh, punchy sweetness you expect from freshly squeezed California orange juice.  

The secret to this utterly addictive treat is simple – locally grown oranges. Since the beginning, Orange Works has sourced the oranges used to make their orange ice cream and other citrusy treats from Strathmore growers! 

Tulare County: California’s leading producer of citrus fruit

Orange Works Café’s Tulare County location makes perfect sense – almost 20% of California’s citrus crop grows in Tulare County alone! The region’s mild winters and plentiful sunshine produce the sweetest, sun-ripened citrus fruits. It is no surprise then that over 90% of California Grown citrus is grown in Tulare County and its neighboring Fresno, Kern, Riverside and Ventura counties.

It all started with an abundance of oranges

Orange Works Café started as a small family roadside stand. They made a name for themselves by crafting sweet treats from locally grown oranges. The orange ice cream and milkshakes quickly became a local favorite, and the Jessup family – who were the original owners, established the Strathmore café. In the early 2000s, the Kahl family purchased Orange Works Café – however, the sale of the location did not include the recipe for the beloved orange ice cream. The Kahls developed their own version of the original orange ice cream that they describe as “hard to beat”. 

Over the years, Orange Works Café’s menu has expanded to include sandwiches and additional ice cream flavors. They added a second location in downtown Visalia. The Orange Works Café remains dedicated to its original mission at both locations – showcasing local citrus and other produce grown in the Central Valley. 

What to order at Orange Works Café

Orange Works Café’s menu features lots of options showcasing the best of Central Valley produce. From sandwiches to salads to shakes, there are no wrong choices – but these are our favorites:

Orange Ice Cream

If you only order one thing at Orange Works Café, it’s got to be the orange ice cream. The exact recipe for this cult favorite is a Kahl family secret. However, the Kahls are happy to share the fact that freshly squeezed orange juice, made with oranges from local growers, is the main ingredient! 

Orange Juice Float (off menu item)

The Orange Juice Float combines the famous Orange Ice Cream with a generous pour of freshly squeezed orange juice for an even more intense citrus flavor. 

Vegetarian Sandwich

Guests rave about Orange Works Café’s Vegetarian Sandwich. A tender sandwich roll slathered with pesto, then topped with garlic-roasted eggplant and piled high with fresh veggies. 

Fun fact: Central Valley farmers grow over 250 specialty crops and ⅓ of the Nation’s fruits and vegetables!  

Seasonal Specials

In addition to Orange Ice Cream, you’ll also find seasonal specials showcasing locally grown fruits and nuts. Past creations include Pomegranate Ice Cream, Pistachio Ice Cream, Persimmon Ice Cream and more! 

Visit the original Orange Works Café during Blossom Trail Season

Our favorite time to drive to Orange Works Café’s Strathmore location is early spring. From mid-February through March, fruit and nut trees throughout the valley burst into bloom. The citrus trees put on an equally stunning show, studded with brightly colored fruits and dotted with white blossoms. Blaze your own trail or download a map for one of California’s Blossom Trails – the Visalia Blossom Trail, Fresno County Blossom Trail and Madera Blossom Trail are some of our favorites.

Learn more about how citrus is grown in California!

How does California citrus fruit get from the farm to your table? Let’s find out!

Experience Orange Ice Cream and more at Orange Works Café