Most People Didn't Know That Concentrated Orange Juice Was Invented Right Here In Florida
By Megan Todaro|Published January 12, 2024
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Megan Todaro
Author
Megan Todaro was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and still calls The Sunshine State home today. While saving lives and putting out fires during the day, Megan is also passionate about writing and travel, especially when it comes to sharing her knowledge of her home state. A few of Megan's favorites include: favorite Florida vacation destination - New Smyrna Beach. Favorite Florida restaurant - Eastside Pizza in Miami. Favorite Florida hidden gem - Shibuya Sushi Art. Favorite Florida OnlyInYourState article: Take A Terrifying Florida Road Trip That Will Surely Haunt Your Dreams.
Florida is known to be the birthplace of quite a few important inventions over the years. Sunscreen. Gatorade. Incandescent lightbulbs. Those are some pretty revolutionary inventions, in my humble opinion. But perhaps the most seemingly normal invention, but one with the most fascinating history, is none other than concentrated orange juice. The story behind this Florida invention is one that you likely wouldn’t expect.
Nearly everything orange-related traces its roots to a state globally renowned for its exceptional citrus produce, making it unsurprising that concentrated orange juice originated in Florida.
The mastermind behind this innovation was Cedric Donald Atkins, nicknamed “C.D.”, who lived in Winter Haven, Florida and was a researcher for the United States Department of Agriculture.
In the early 20th century, transportation and storage limitations posed significant obstacles to distributing fresh orange juice beyond the citrus-growing regions.
This prompted the search for a solution that would allow for easier transportation and a longer shelf life without compromising the taste and nutritional value of the juice.
Atkins and a few other researchers were given an assignment back in the 1940s to enhance the quality of processed orange juice, aiming to also offer a superior alternative for American troops stationed abroad.
By creating a concentrated form, orange juice could be reconstituted with water before consumption, allowing the juice to be shipped globally and stored for extended periods.
During World War II, concentrated orange juice gained popularity as it provided a convenient and nutritious source of vitamin C for soldiers.
The post-war era saw the commercialization of concentrated orange juice as a consumer product. In the 50s and 60s, advancements in technology and packaging further boosted its accessibility and popularity.