Navel Oranges vs. OJ
Frozen concentrated orange juice became popular toward the end of the Second World War. Since few could afford freshly squeezed juice while the war was waging, they opted for the frozen kind. It was probably the worst thing to happen to fruit since Eve plucked that apple from the Tree of Knowledge.
No, this isn’t a diatribe against fruit juices. We freely acknowledge that real fruit juices are healthier than soda. But the problem is that millions of American families have all but replaced fresh fruit with fruit juices, and they are not the same!
As we explained, frozen orange juice was needed during the war years. It was cheaper than fresh fruit and it gave people the vitamin C they desperately needed. Unfortunately, it became so popular that Americans have all but abandoned fresh fruit. How bad is it?
Florida is responsible for nearly three-quarters of the US orange crop. But what most people don’t know is that ninety-five percent of those oranges sent to the processing plant to be juiced. Most of the remaining oranges are navel oranges and they are sold as fresh fruit.
Are navel oranges better for you than juice? Yes, much. Let us reiterate that natural fruit juice is quite good for you. It is high in vitamin C, folate, and calcium, if fortified. But because it lacks the white membrane and most of the pulp, it does not contain several essential nutrients.
To begin with, even the purest of the pure orange juice contain absolutely no dietary fiber. Fiber is important because it improves digestive health by encouraging regular bowel movements. Many studies have also suggested that high fiber diets can improve heart health and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, like prostate and colon cancer.
Only about forty percent of Americans eat the recommended two cups of fresh fruit per day. Rather, they rely on fruit juices, most of which are from concentrate. Now, concentrated juices are not inherently bad, but they do not preserve vitamin C. Yes, the world’s most popular vitamin loses its potency over time.
Several studies have proven that orange juice can lose almost half of its vitamin C in as little as a week! So, if you are relying on OJ for all of your vitamin needs, you may be falling short of the recommended daily dosage.
Make a Fresh Start
The fact that Americans get most of their vitamin C from orange juice is rather troubling. While OJ is a good source, it is certainly not a reliable one. Navel oranges, on the other hand, do not suffer from much vitamin depletion. They also contain healthy doses of dietary fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin A.
Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves
At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.
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