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Orange juice has become a staple of the American breakfast table, but how did this popular morning beverage come to be? The history of orange juice is a fascinating one that spans centuries and crosses continents. From its origins in ancient China to its rise to popularity in the United States, the journey of orange juice is a rich and varied one.

The history of orange juice can be traced back to ancient China, where citrus fruits, including oranges, were first cultivated. However, it was not until the 16th century that oranges were introduced to Europe by the Portuguese, who brought the fruit back from their explorations to Asia. From there, oranges spread across the continent, eventually making their way to the Americas thanks to Spanish and Portuguese explorers.

In the early 20th century, orange juice began to be commercially produced and sold in the United States. In 1915, a chemist named Elmer McCollum discovered that orange juice contained vitamin C, helping to combat scurvy. This discovery led to a surge in the popularity of orange juice, as people began to see it as a nutritious and healthy beverage.

The 1920s saw the rise of ready-to-drink orange juice, thanks to the invention of pasteurization, which allowed the juice to be preserved and stored for longer periods of time. This made orange juice more accessible to people and helped to solidify its place as a common breakfast beverage.

During the Great Depression, the orange juice industry faced a crisis, as the economic downturn led to a decrease in orange juice sales. In an effort to combat this, the Florida Citrus Commission launched a marketing campaign in the 1930s that promoted orange juice as a healthy and nutritious beverage, helping to revitalize the industry and secure its place in American households.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the popularity of orange juice continued to soar, thanks in part to the marketing efforts of the Florida Citrus Commission and other industry giants. Orange juice became synonymous with health and vitality, and its popularity as a breakfast beverage grew exponentially.

Today, orange juice is a ubiquitous part of the American breakfast table, enjoyed by millions of people each day. It has become a symbol of health and vitality, and its rich history only adds to its appeal. Whether freshly squeezed or store-bought, orange juice continues to be a beloved and essential part of the American breakfast tradition.
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