Orange Juice
The sandy soils of central Florida in which oranges are grown require all inputs (water, nutrients, et al) to be trucked in. While giving the grower complete control over the orange tree environment, this system also requires more energy and is potentially more unstable than in an environment where inputs are already present. As all the fruits are handpicked, a large seasonal work force is needed when the fruits are harvested, and immigration issues surrounding this work force abound.
Orange Juice Bio
- Type: Juice Beverage
- Energy Use Factor: Medium
- Source Location: Florida – also California, Brazil, Mexico, Europe & Middle East
Sustainability Issues:
- Sensitivity of citrus crops to weather conditions creates a potentially unstable supply.
- Substantial water is needed for growth.
- Florida oranges require all inputs, besides water, to be trucked in.
- Hand picking: large seasonal labor force required vs. immigration issues.
Where did Phil’s orange juice actually come from?
Though Florida is famous for their oranges, they come in second to Brazil for total production. Sensitive to temperature and other weather conditions, orange groves only thrive in climates that can meet their specific weather requirements. We filmed our orange grove and juicing plant in Winter Haven, Florida, the same producers who provide Phil with his glass of juice at Café Hon.
We filmed our orange picking and processing at groves belonging to Noble Juice in Winter Haven, FL. The point on the map is their in-town headquarters. Also tagged is an orange grove in the Winter Haven area, though not necessarily a Noble Juice grove. Phil’s café breakfast OJ is also from here.
View Orange Filming and Cafe Hon Locations in a larger map
Map Source: Wikipedia and a href=”http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Online_Highlights/Ag_Atlas_Maps/Crops_and_Plants/Fruits,_Tree_Nuts,_Berries,_Nursery_and_Greenhouse_Crops/07-M245.asp”>USDA Census
