Florida State Beverage

Orange Juice

Adopted in 1967

Seldom does the mere mention of a beverage bring to mind a state. However, whenever "orange juice" is seen, written, or spoken, the universal connection is Florida. Technically, the state beverage is "The juice obtained from mature oranges of the species Citrus sinesis and hybrids thereof . . .," but the world knows it as just plain orange juice.

During the Second World War, concentrated juice was developed . . . followed by a frozen concentrate that transformed orange juice production into a multi-billion dollar industry.

• Florida produces the majority of oranges grown in the United States

• 90-95 percent of the Florida orange crop is processed for juice

• Orange blossoms are used in tea and bakery products

• most of Florida's honey is produced from bees that gather orange blossom nectar

The orange blossom was Florida's original state flower and was designated as such in 1909. Because the orange tree is not native to Florida, the Coreopsis was added as the state wildflower in 1991.

Florida's citrus industry developed from 16th century Spanish introductions that grew well and became established in Florida's warm climate. Indians and pioneers transplanted citrus trees throughout the warmer parts of the state. During the 1830s, commercial citrus trees were grafted on sour orange rootstock to improve disease resistance and create a commercial market. Florida quickly became known for its oranges, and orange juice was named the state beverage of Florida in 1967. Today, the Florida citrus industry has an annual economic impact estimated at $9 billion.