Orange juice
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Orange juice is a fruit juice obtained by squeezing or pressing the interior of an orange. It is enjoyed as a beverage in many parts of the world and is often commonly associated with breakfast. The largest exporter of orange juice is Brazil, followed by the United States (predominantly from Florida, where orange juice is the official state beverage).
Orange juice is commonly exported in dried form and infused in the destination country. Juice, which is shipped in liquid form, is traded as direct juice between producers. It is sold to consumers (in the U.S. and Canada), described as "not from concentrate."
One orange will typically produce about 90 grams of juice, and when freshly squeezed, orange juice has a fruity and, according to some, pleasantly acidic taste. Besides water and sugar, it is an excellent source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and potassium. It is also an important natural source of folic acid (Vitamin B9), which is recommended for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.[1] Some producers include additional citric acid or ascorbic acid in the juice beyond what is naturally found in oranges. Some also include other nutrients such as calcium and Vitamin D, not found naturally in oranges. Citrus juices also contain flavonoids that are believed to have beneficial health effects. However, if drunk on an empty stomach, orange juice can exacerbate present gastro-intestinal conditions, and/or cause mild and temporary stomach upset. Due to the citric acid, orange juice typically has a pH of 3.5. [2] Drinking, or sipping, orange juice over a long period of time can therefore potentially erode the tooth enamel.
Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice (FCOJ) is a commodity product traded on the major commodity exchanges, including the New York Board of Trade and the Brazilian Mercantile and Futures Exchange.
When water is added to freshly-unfrozen concentrated orange juice, it is reconstituted. Most of orange juice sold today throughout the world is reconstituted juice. There is a huge difference in the volume of frozen concentrated orange juice and unprocessed juice and this makes a difference in the price the consumer is charged.
Contrary to public belief, there is no evidence to suggest a linkage between high pulp content and a high amount of fiber content in orange juice.
[edit] Orange juice in popular culture
- Singer Anita Bryant was a controversial spokeswoman for the Florida Citrus Commission; her anti-gay political campaigning led to a boycott of Florida orange juice.
- In the film Trading Places (starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd), insider information about frozen concentrated orange juice plays a key role in the plot.
- In the film Fight Club the main character claims that homemade napalm can be made by combining equal parts of gasoline and frozen orange juice concentrate.
- In the film Stir of Echoes, orange juice appears many times, with the main character drinking excessive amounts.
- In the animated TV show Tazmania, "Tazmanian" orange juice is constantly referenced as tasting good and being good for one's health.
- In Yann Martel's book Life of Pi there is an Orang-utan named Orange Juice.
[edit] References
- ^ Folate (folic acid). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved on January 16, 2007.
- ^ Acids. British Soft Drinks Association. Retrieved on September 12, 2006.
[edit] External links
- How orange juice is made and its different types
- Bottled Sunshine... A Juicy Story Brief film clip of orange juice processing from 1968. From the State Library & Archives of Florida.
