One of the most popular breakfast drinks enjoyed in America is orange juice. In 2020, an estimated 530,000+ metric tons of orange juice were consumed by Americans. While this represents a slight drop in popularity compared to the previous ten years, it still keeps orange juice at the top of the breakfast beverage list. That’s probably why it has also received its own holiday. This holiday is called National Orange Juice Day and is celebrated on May 4th every year.

The History of National Orange Juice Day

Although we conducted extensive research trying to uncover the origins of this holiday, we couldn’t determine when it was created or who invented it. We suspect it was probably started by the Florida Citrus Commission or some other organization committed to the growth of the citrus industry.

Healthy Facts About Orange Juice & Oranges

Even though the popularity of orange juice as a healthy beverage has declined somewhat over the past few years due to concerns over its high sugar content, it remains an excellent source of vitamin C. That’s not the only benefit this beverage delivers to people, however. Below are some other healthy facts about orange juice:

• Orange juice contains ascorbic acid that helps promote cell growth.
• The high levels of vitamin C in orange juice may help lower the risk of certain cancers.
• Oranges are full of folate and vitamin B9—two nutrients that assist in red blood cell production.
• Orange juice can be used to exfoliate skin due to its high levels of vitamin C and vitamin E.
• Orange juice contains vitamin A and carotene, two nutrients that help with eye health.
• Studies suggest that orange juice consumption might lower cholesterol levels in adults.
• Orange juice has high levels of potassium—an element that may lower blood pressure.
• Orange juice does not deliver the same amount of fiber as whole oranges do.
• Drinking orange juice causes a spike in blood sugar, which might be dangerous for some people.
• Oranges are among the largest citrus fruits in the world.
• There are over 600 different varieties of oranges.
• Brazil is the world leader in orange products—producing 50% of the world’s orange juice.
• Brazil also produces 80% of the world’s orange concentrate.
• More oranges are killed by lightning than by any of the various plant diseases.

Observing National Orange Juice Day

Observing this holiday is as simple as enjoying a glass of orange juice for breakfast or as complex as making a delicious meal with orange juice as your central ingredient. Orange juice is not only good for drinking as a beverage, but it can also be used in BBQ sauces, for making ice cream toppings, or as a substitute for water in boxed cake mixes. While you’re drinking OJ and/or cooking with it, be sure to use the hashtag #NationalOrangeJuiceDay on your social media accounts to encourage everyone else to enjoy it as well.