Imagine starting your morning with a glass of fresh orange juice. The fruity flavor, sweetness, and refreshing sensation - they all possess the magical ability to transform your day into the most beautiful one. Besides that, the juice offers significant health benefits, packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients like vitamin C, folate, and potassium. It also promotes improved heart health, reduces inflammation, and lowers the risk of kidney stones. To embrace the beauty and goodness of this fruity beverage, National Orange Juice Day is celebrated on May 4 every year. Read On.
History of the National Orange Juice Day
In 1900, Florida citrus growers recognized the delicious taste of freshly squeezed orange juice, selling it alongside whole fruit and promoting it through advertising. During World War II, the U.S. military canned orange juice to provide vitamin C, shaping Americans' perception of the beverage. This love and attraction of people toward orange juice led to the establishment of the National Orange Juice Day.
In the late 1940s, frozen orange juice concentrate gained popularity with the rise of home refrigeration. Later, "not from concentrate" orange juice became widespread, undergoing processing for preservation and flavor. Nowadays, bottled, freshly squeezed juice has gained attention for its resemblance to homemade, but it has preservatives and added sweeteners.
Significance of Orange in India
In the country, especially in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, orange juice is cherished not only for its delicious taste but also for its health benefits. India ranks ninth globally in orange production, with Nagpur in Maharashtra known as the "Orange Cities". Major orange juice companies in India are Vinut, Tropicana, Paper Boat, Minute Maid, etc. Along with traders, farmers are also getting benefits from the orange production in the country.
In the vibrant fields of India, among the fragrant orange groves, thrive remarkable growers like Pushpak Sriramji Khapre of Pimpri Purna Village in Maharashtra's Amravati district. His dedication and skill were honored with the prestigious Vasantrao Naik Shetkari Mitra Award in 2021, proof of his contribution to agriculture. Similarly, Kamal Ghimire of Rainadevi Chhahara, with his passion for citrus cultivation, reaps a bountiful harvest, adding to the stellar success stories across the country. In every corner of India, countless farmers like them enrich the land and their lives through their labor of love with oranges.
Celebrating the Day
On National Orange Juice Day, visit an orange farm for a serene retreat. Inhale the fruity fragrance as you wander through the groves, and sip on freshly squeezed orange juice, letting its tangy sweetness awaken your senses. Plant an orange seed in your garden today to symbolize hope and the promise of future harvests. Here's to days filled with the simple pleasures of nature's bounty!
