Citrus fruits are a staple of modern agriculture, found in kitchens, grocery stores, and farms across the United States. But their origins stretch back thousands of years and span continents, cultures, and trade routes. In this American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights the fascinating journey of citrus—from ancient beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of American agriculture. The exact origin of citrus fruits cannot be pinpointed with complete certainty. However, researchers widely believe that citrus first appeared in Southeast Asia as early as 4000 B.C. These early fruits likely included ancestors of modern varieties such as citron, pomelo, and mandarin. Over centuries, natural hybridization and human cultivation helped diversify citrus into the many varieties we recognize today. From Southeast Asia, citrus fruits gradually spread westward into Northern Africa. During the height of the Roman Empire, citrus gained popularity among the upper classes. Its rarity ...