The history of having citrus on nautical vessels is closely linked to the prevention of scurvy, a debilitating and potentially fatal disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Scurvy has been a significant problem for sailors on long sea voyages throughout history.
Here’s a brief overview of the history:
1. Ancient Times: The use of citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, for their medicinal properties dates back to ancient times. Various cultures recognized their health benefits, including their ability to treat or prevent certain illnesses.
2. Age of Exploration: During the Age of Exploration (15th to 17th centuries), European sailors embarked on long voyages to discover new lands and trade routes. However, these voyages often lasted for months, and the sailors’ diets lacked fresh fruits and vegetables. As a result, scurvy became a severe problem on these voyages, leading to suffering and death among the crew.
3. James Lind’s Experiment: In the mid-18th century, Scottish surgeon James Lind conducted one of the first clinical trials on board the HMS Salisbury in 1747. He divided scurvy-stricken sailors into different groups and provided them with various remedies, including cider, vinegar, seawater, and citrus fruits. The group that received citrus fruits, particularly lemons and oranges, showed remarkable improvement, demonstrating the effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing scurvy.
4. Adoption of Citrus on Ships: After Lind’s experiment, the British Royal Navy started issuing lemon or lime juice to sailors on long sea voyages, leading to a significant reduction in scurvy cases. Other maritime nations also followed suit, making citrus fruits a standard part of sailors’ rations.
5. Citrus in Naval Culture: Over time, the presence of citrus on nautical vessels became a symbol of protection and good health. The tradition of carrying lemons and limes on ships continued well into the 19th and 20th centuries.
6. Advances in Nutrition: As scientific understanding of nutrition improved, it was discovered that scurvy resulted from a deficiency of vitamin C. With this knowledge, various other foods that are rich in vitamin C were also included in sailors’ diets, further reducing the prevalence of scurvy.
Today, scurvy is a rare condition due to the widespread availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in most parts of the world. However, the historical practice of having citrus on nautical vessels remains an essential part of maritime heritage and is a testament to the importance of proper nutrition during long sea journeys.