Lake Alfred and Winter Haven share Florida's frozen-orange-juice story
Frozen concentrated orange juice came from a Polk County research network involving federal and Florida citrus researchers in Winter Haven and Lake Alfred.
Frozen orange juice may look ordinary in a grocery aisle. In Florida, it was a big invention story.
During World War II, citrus researchers faced a hard problem. They wanted to remove much of the water from orange juice without losing so much fresh flavor. Much of that work took place in federal labs in Winter Haven. Lake Alfred also had an important role in Florida citrus research.
Louis MacDowell, Edwin Moore, and Cedric Atkins applied for the process patent in 1945, and the United States received it in 1948. Florida later brought more of its citrus work together in Lake Alfred, where the city still honors Moore through its public library.
That makes this a Polk County story, not a one-city claim. Winter Haven and Lake Alfred both belong in the research network. Together, that work helped frozen juice reach freezers and breakfast tables far from the grove.
For a trip, check current citrus-history stops before you go. Citrus is still a working trade. Tours, groves, museums, and packinghouse access can change with the season and the workday.
Where to see it
Lake Alfred, Winter Haven, and Polk County citrus country. Use current museum, library, research-center, or grove pages before making a special trip.
Place paths
Direct subjects and contextual connections are labeled separately so an example does not read like a local rule.
Official sources
- USDA NASS - Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice
- UF - Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice Historical Marker
- City of Lake Alfred - Public Library and Dr. Edwin Moore
Last checked against these sources: July 29, 2026.
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