Processing Oranges In Belize: A Step-By-Step Guide

Oranges are a key part of Belize's economy, with the country's citrus industry dating back to 1913. The majority of orange production occurs in the Stann Creek District, where oranges and grapefruit make up two of the country's largest exports. In the Stann Creek Valley, you'll find endless rows of orange trees, with growers hard at work during the harvest season, picking ripe oranges by hand. While the industry has faced setbacks and challenges, it still accounts for a significant portion of Belize's exports and provides jobs for thousands of people.

History of the citrus industry in Belize

Citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruit, are among Belize's largest exports within the agricultural sector. However, the industry has not always been so prominent.

Citrus fruits first appeared in Asia thousands of years ago and eventually made their way to Central America and the Caribbean through trade routes and European colonists. Christopher Columbus planted the first orange seed in Haiti in 1493. By the 16th century, oranges had spread across the globe, but the idea of a sustainable citrus industry on an international scale was still centuries away.

In Belize, personal accounts dating back to 1859 mention orange groves on private estates, but the country's agricultural sector was not yet thriving. At the time, Belize was not yet a British colony, and the mahogany and lumber industries were more lucrative.

In the mid-19th century, however, things began to change. Belize, then known as British Honduras, had abolished slavery, and the demand for lumber and mahogany was declining. Despite this, most of the land was still owned by a small group of white landowners, including former American confederates. These landowners tried their hand at various agricultural practices, relying on indentured servants from India and China.

The southern territory of Stann Creek proved that agriculture could be profitable in Belize. Established in the late 19th century, it coincided with the birth of the first international fruit companies. Citrus arrived as a cash crop in 1913, thanks to Dr. Smith Osborne Browne, the colonial doctor at Stann Creek, and two other investors, Alfred Edward Vine and William Alexander Jex Bowman. They imported 900 budded grapefruit trees from Florida and planted them in the Stann Creek Valley.

For the first twelve years, the venture was not profitable due to marketing difficulties, as the United States protected its young citrus industry in Florida. By 1924, W. A. J. Bowman began consolidating by purchasing Dr. Browne’s cultivation. That same year, the colonial government acquired Mr. Vine’s property to develop an industrial boys' school. The school opened in 1928, and the government expanded the property to include a packing shed and a nursery for selling budded plants. The first shipment of grapefruit was sent to Canada and the UK, and regular exports began in 1925-1926.

The industry continued to grow, and by 1954, citrus exports reached the million-dollar mark. In the 1980s, Belizean citrus concentrate became exempt from United States tariff duties under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), allowing Belize to undercut its competition. While there have been ups and downs, citrus remains one of Belize's most prominent crops.

How oranges are picked and packed

Citrus fruit production is Belize's oldest and most important agro-industry. The country's first orange seed was planted in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, and the country's citrus industry began in 1913. Today, oranges are picked and packed mainly in the southern territory of Stann Creek, which is known as the most fertile patch of land in the country.

During harvest season, growers pick ripe oranges by hand. In the past, the process of picking and packing oranges was labour-intensive. Grapefruits were exported fresh in wooden boxes, requiring one person to clip clean grapefruit off the tree and another person to catch them carefully. The fruit was then placed into a 'field box', loaded into a trailer hauled by oxen, and transported to the railway. After that, the fruit was loaded into rail cars and taken to the packing house. From there, the boxes of fresh grapefruit were re-loaded onto rail cars and transported to Commerce Bight Pier, where they were loaded onto ships bound for England.

In the present day, much of the process has been mechanised. Oranges are still picked by hand, but they are now transported by truck to packing houses, where they are washed, sorted, and boxed before being shipped out.

The process of picking and packing oranges is a crucial part of Belize's economy and agricultural industry. The country's citrus industry has experienced some setbacks in recent years, but it still accounts for a significant portion of the country's exports and provides many jobs for its citizens.

How oranges are exported

Citrus fruits, including oranges, are one of Belize's largest exports within the agricultural sector. The country's citrus trade began in the 1920s but became significant in the 1980s when the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) allowed Belizean citrus to be exempt from United States tariff duties. This allowed the industry to expand and reach new heights.

Citrus production in Belize occurs predominantly in the Stann Creek District, an area known for its fertile land. Here, oranges are grown on large plantations and small farms, with the fruit being picked by hand during the harvest season. The oranges are then processed by companies and exported as fresh fruit or as frozen orange juice concentrate.

The export of oranges from Belize has faced some challenges over the years, including competition from other countries, such as Mexico and Brazil, and the Mediterranean fruit fly infestation, which restricted exports to the United States. However, Belize continues to export oranges and orange juice to various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European Union nations.

In recent years, there has been a push for further diversification of Belize's export market, including enhancing the development of industries such as honey, cattle, poultry, and furniture made from exotic woods. Despite these efforts, Belize's economy is still considered vulnerable, with a small export basket of goods. Oranges and orange juice remain an important part of the country's exports, contributing to the country's economy and providing jobs for its citizens.

How orange juice is made

Oranges are one of Belize's main exports, and the country's orange juice industry is a significant part of that. While the country's citrus industry has had its ups and downs, it remains a key part of Belize's economy and culture.

The process of making orange juice in Belize typically begins with the harvest. Growers pick ripe oranges by hand during the harvest season. These oranges are then taken to processing facilities, where they are cleaned and sorted. Some oranges may be destined for the fresh fruit market, while others will be juiced and canned or made into concentrates.

The oranges that are to be juiced are typically washed and peeled, and the orange peel may be used to produce citrus oil. The oranges are then squeezed, and the juice is extracted. In some cases, the juice may be canned and sold as fresh orange juice, while in other cases, it may be concentrated and sold as orange juice concentrate.

The process of making orange juice can vary depending on the specific manufacturer and the intended use of the final product. For example, orange juice destined for the local market in Belize may be processed and packaged differently from that intended for export. Additionally, some manufacturers may add other ingredients, such as sugar or preservatives, to their orange juice.

Overall, the process of making orange juice in Belize involves harvesting oranges, processing them in facilities, and either selling them as fresh juice or concentrating and packaging them for longer-term storage and export. The specific steps and processes can vary depending on the manufacturer and the intended use of the final product.

How oranges are used in Belizean cuisine

Oranges, particularly sour oranges, are a staple ingredient in Belizean cuisine, adding a tangy twist to a variety of dishes. Here's how oranges are used in the unique and diverse cuisine of Belize:

Marinades and Sauces

Sour orange juice is often used as a marinade for meat, poultry, or fish in Belizean cooking. The tangy flavour adds a zesty note to the dishes and helps to tenderise the meat. A popular sour orange sauce is also made by simmering the juice with brown sugar, ginger, allspice, and vinegar, which is then paired with grilled or roasted meats, seafood, and vegetables.

Soups and Stews

Sour orange is commonly used in traditional Belizean soups and stews, adding a refreshing citrusy note and balancing the richness of the broth. It is a key ingredient in soups such as sopa de lima and cowfoot soup.

Salads and Salad Dressings

The sourness of the orange pairs well with bitter greens, and sour orange juice is often used as a base for salad dressings, mixed with olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Beverages

Sour orange juice is also made into a refreshing beverage, sometimes with a splash of rum, providing a popular drink in Belizean cuisine.

Snacks and Desserts

In addition to its use in savoury dishes, oranges are also enjoyed as a snack in Belize. Holchoch is a popular Belizean snack made with slices of jicama and sweet oranges, sometimes sprinkled with habanero pepper salt and lime.

Cultural Significance

The citrus industry is an important part of Belize's economy and cultural identity. The country's agriculture industry, including citrus farms, has shaped Belize into the country it is today, contributing significantly to its GDP and providing many jobs.

Influence on Other Dishes

Belizean cuisine is influenced by a blend of Mayan, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cultures, and this diversity is reflected in the use of sour orange as a key ingredient. The country's rich cultural history and natural resources have contributed to the unique and memorable flavours of Belizean food.

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