Juice moments in history

The faddish trends of the modern age have roots in ancient times.

1700 B.C. Ancient Greeks call pomegranate juice a “love potion” because of a legend that said Aphrodite, their goddess of love, had cultivated pomegranate trees on the island of Cyprus.

Between 150 B.C. and A.D. 70 Ancient Jewish juicers created a “pounded mash of pomegranate and fig,” resulting in “profound strength and subtle form” (from the Dead Sea Scrolls). 1910s Citrus growers overproduce in California. Juice pasteurization is developed. The national rail system is complete. Growers can now ship the excess juice across the country to large Eastern cities. O.J. becomes a breakfast drink. 1500s Spanish explorers plant the first Florida orange trees around St. Augustine. The climate proves perfect and natives plant the trees throughout the state.

1930s The hydraulic Norwalk Juicing Press is invented by Norman Walker, a doctor and ardent proponent of natural and raw foods. He lives to be 100.

1954 The first modern juicer, the Champion Juicer, is made in the United States. It is capable of processing almost every type of vegetable, including leafy greens, and operates at a speed of 4,000 rpm.

1970s Fitness guru Jack LaLanne helps launch a juicing mania by pitching the Jack LaLanne Power Juicer on his TV show and through infomercials.

2000s Fad detox diets combined with baby boomers’ market clout and obsessive narcissism — “carrot juice rids you of wrinkles” — ignites another juicing craze.