You probably don't think about it much (It's okay. Most people don't.) but civilization as we know it wouldn't really be possible without fresh citrus fruit. Sure, there are a lot of other inventions that we imagine were just as important - the wheel, definitely, and fire for sure. Also probably penicillin - but fresh citrus fruit and fresh citrus fruit baskets have made the world turn for thousands of years. Look at the following reasons if you don't believe us:

Ancient Times

Fresh fruit was so desired among the traders and voyagers of the ancient roman times that merchants and sailors sometimes traveled thousands of miles to find new and exciting fruits and tastes to bring home with them. In time, the ability to offer guests fresh fruit was shown as a sign of ultimate wealth (imagine an SUV that could fit into your hand.) and luxury.

One popular tradition of the age was to include fruit baskets of assorted gift citrus fruit as part of a wedding dowry. That's right. People were actually paid in fruit to get married.

The Exploration of the New World

More than a thousand years later, people were still eating whatever fruit they could get their hands on. World exploration was broadening too, with intrepid mariners attempting to explore the New World of North and South America and even to sail completely around the world.

One of the biggest obstacles to such goals was a bone disease called scurvy, which is actually every bit as painful as it sounds. Scurvy crippled or killed soldiers outright, and it wasn't until long-voyage ships began stocking oranges and other citrus fruits that the disease stopped being an issue.

Turns out, the Vitamin C in oranges and other assorted citrus fruits prevents scurvy from occurring. So the next time you see a map of the world, remember that fresh citrus fruit helped make the world a smaller place.

Modern Medical Research

Who are we to argue with top scientists? The latest and the most trusted research alike point to fresh citrus fruit as one of the most powerful and important sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and even antioxidants, the mysterious yet potent substances that aggressively attack disease and cellular decay.

Fruit baskets also make great gifts. With so much history and prestige behind them, anyone lucky enough to receive the gift of fresh citrus fruit should feel honored.