Oranges as a sweetener
Oranges do not seem to be a natural place to look for a sweetener but our sugar free lollipops from Simpkins contain Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (no I have no idea how you pronounce it ). Though it sounds very chemical it is in fact based on extracts from oranges.
As a sweetener it is 1000 times sweeter than sugar and is good for diabetics as it has a low hypoglycemic index. It also does not contribute to tooth decay.
However in spite of its overall sweetness, its initial taste in the mouth is less sweet than sugar,so it is used in conjunction with other sweeteners. It enhances some flavours and can be helpful in masking some bitter tastes. It is particularly suitable for use in hard sweets that require a boiling process as it is stable at high temperatures. .
I find it interesting where sweeteners come from and that a fruit that is not known for its sweetness can be the source of a sweetener (even if its name is a bit of a tongue twister).
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