Jack and I are lucky enough to be visiting Southern California and the desert this week and even luckier to have an orange tree growing right outside our little inn room. Fortunately, the small kitchenette came equipped with both knife and hand juicer so the first morning I braved the pouring rain and plucked a few ripe oranges off the tree and we enjoyed the freshest juice we’ve ever had.
Oranges have been known and cultivated for centuries. Sweet oranges were mentioned in the literature in China dating back to 314 BC. Early explorers brought orange trees to Florida in 1565. Franicans brought them to sunny Southern California in 1769.
Orange juice has been a breakfast staple for so long that it’s hard to imagine life without it. But as the citrus industry continues to suffer, that is a possibility that we have to consider. We all have heard about the difficulties Florida citrus growers have experienced recently, from hard freezes to hurricane damage. What you may not be aware of is the little brown bug from China that causes citrus greening, a disease that is threatening to completely wipe out the industry. The future of oranges looks black indeed.
The devastation has been enormous and the situation is so dire that the Center for Genetic Resources Preservation has put orange tree cuttings in a vault in Colorado, protecting against the possibility of losing all orange trees.
Scientists are working furiously trying to find a cure but results have been disappointing. Interestingly, the solution may lie with organic gardening practices. Twenty-five year old trees that were never sprayed with pesticides have developed vibrant immune systems which are allowing them to resist the disease.
I applaud the scientists who are working so hard to solve this sticky problem and sympathize with the many farmers who are suffering losses in the citrus industry and pray that the future of oranges regains it’s sunny reputation. It makes me grateful for every sip of orange juice.
I will enjoy the rich harvest of oranges and grapefruit from my neighbor across the street, even more, now that I know it is so precious and endangered!
Growing up in Florida, I’ve had the luxury of taking oranges for granted. Almost everyone in my neighborhood had a citrus tree but we didn’t realize it. I was about 20 years old before our trees bore fruit. I will savor every sip from now on. I don’t recall them ever being treated or fertilized.
Reita, thanks so much for your response. How lovely to have grown up with oranges. Hope all is well.