The development of industrially produced fruit juice began with the orange, which came originally from Indochina. Arab traders brought the first orange trees to Sicily, Sardinia and Spain in the 10th Century. The "golden apple" as it was described, thrived in the excellent climatic conditions in those areas. From there the journey continued with the Portuguese to America.
The first orange plantations in Florida were established in the 19th Century. With the expansion of the railroad, oranges were soon on sale throughout the whole of North America.
the mother of fruit juices
Only at the end of Word War II did it become possibe to ship frozen juice concentrate economically worldwide. Orange juice became an everyday consumer product. Due to its high levels of Vitamin C, orange juice contributes to the health and well being of whole nations.
80% of orange juice bottled in Germany originates from Brazil. The Brazilians, followed by Florida, are the largest producers of citrus produce. Together the two account for more than 40% of world production. Oranges make up a 70% share of all processed fruits. That means that more than 40 million tons of oranges are processed annually.
In the USA 70% of freshly squeezed orange juice, is drunk at breakfast. After chocolate flavoured milk, orange is the worldwide preferred breakfast beverage flavour.
