master-cooks | The Surprising Reason That Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate Was Invented

Frozen orange juice concentrate was invented during World War II as a response to the U.S. Army's need for a better source of vitamin C for the troops. At the time, fresh oranges were not ideal for long-term storage or transportation, and canned juice often lost its vitamin content and flavor due to the high heat used in the canning process. Researchers at the Florida Department of Citrus, in collaboration with the U.S. Army, were tasked with finding a solution to this problem. They discovered that by concentrating the juice and then freezing it, they could preserve both the flavor and nutritional value effectively. This process involved removing a significant portion of the water content from the juice, which reduced its volume and made it easier to transport. The frozen concentrate could then be reconstituted with water to provide a fresh-tasting juice. After the war, the commercial potential of this innovation was quickly realized, leading to widespread consumer adoption in the 1950s. This invention not only revolutionized the citrus industry but also set the stage for the development of other frozen concentrated foods, fundamentally changing the way people consumed and stored food.

Orange Juice Concentrate Post-World War II

World War II concluded in 1945, marking the moment when the United States Department of Agriculture and the Florida Citrus Commission successfully developed their concentrated orange juice. Although it didn't reach the troops overseas as they had hoped, it certainly made a significant impact on Americans at home.

During the 1950s and 1960s, orange juice concentrate became a staple of breakfast. Numerous top orange juice brands emerged in supermarkets, and concentrated juice became the preferred choice. In 1965, journalist John McFee traveled to Florida to sample fresh-squeezed orange juice, given the state's abundance of orange orchards. To his surprise, he discovered that even locals were choosing concentrated orange juice for its consistency, as reported by the British Broadcasting Corporation.

In a rapidly changing world, Americans learned to be resourceful with their food and finances. Today, you can take a cue from previous generations by opting for canned orange juice concentrate, which has a longer shelf life than fresh-squeezed juice once opened. Simply add a bit of water to dissolve the pulpiness. No matter how you enjoy your citrusy Vitamin C, it's likely a better option than the lemon crystals consumed by WWII soldiers. Thank goodness for advancements in technology!

The Surprising Reason That Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate Was Invented

Orange Juice Concentrate Post-World War II

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