It had been known since the mid-18th century that citrus fruit was effective, but for decades it was impractical to store fruit or fruit juice for long periods on ships without losing the necessary ascorbic acid.
Coñecíase desde mediados do século XVIII que os froitos dos cítricos eran efectivos contra o escorbuto, pero durante décadas foi pouco práctico almacenar froitas ou zume de froitas durante longos períodos de tempo nas naves sen que perderan o ácido ascórbico necesario.