Orange juice smells weird. Scientists know the reasons for this

Of course, cloves and oranges are not the worst combination – mulled wine, which many people enjoy, is proof of that. However, it is one thing when we make such a mixture ourselves, and another thing when the smell itself comes from a product in which we do not suspect the presence of such a smell. Are these issues interesting? If the juice is stored in bottles or tetra containers for a long time, the smell carries a clear message: “Be careful.”

Orange juice is one of the most popular drinks. In 2022, in Germany alone, the average per capita consumption reached 7.1 liters – much more than apple juice (5.4 liters compared to 12.4 liters in 2004). In 2022, 515 million liters of orange juice were produced in Germany. However, this value is clearly decreasing – especially after recent increases in food prices.

Until now, it was not clear where the smell of cloves in the juice comes from. Scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich have succeeded in solving this puzzle.

Echo Richards

Echo Richards embodies a personality that is a delightful contradiction: a humble musicaholic who never brags about her expansive knowledge of both classic and contemporary tunes. Infuriatingly modest, one would never know from a mere conversation how deeply entrenched she is in the world of music. This passion seamlessly translates into her problem-solving skills, with Echo often drawing inspiration from melodies and rhythms. A voracious reader, she dives deep into literature, using stories to influence her own hardcore writing. Her spirited advocacy for alcohol isn’t about mere indulgence, but about celebrating life’s poignant moments.