Monkfruit Sweetener Facts Information

Monkfruit Sweetener Facts Information Learn about this low glycemic index sweetener to replace table sugar. Many who follow a KETO DIET use it. China has used it for centuries. Consequently, I have researched this product to give you information about what it is, where it comes from, and how to use it. Included are links to recipes with Monkfruit. In fact, most of my recipes use this ingredient.

About my health:

Health issues caused by autoimmune illnesses lead to a drastic diet change. At any rate, I went to a functional doctor’s seminar and the information rang true to me. What could it hurt to change my diet and find out? More importantly, I began a long journey to try to regain my health. When I revamped my diet my blood work started improving. Because of improved health, improved blood work, and being able to go off meds due to improved labs and blood work I have decided to stick to this diet.

Indeed I don’t eat any grains including corn, soy, or oats, no refined sugar-free, limited dairy, and only cook with certain oils. Some of these are butter, grapeseed oil, and nut oils but no corn oil or peanut oil. I turned to the internet to find recipes. I looked for information about my specific restrictions. However, I was dismayed to find little help. In fact, I knew if I was to maintain this dietary change I was going to need beautiful, healthy, and tasty food.

Monkfruit Sweetener Facts-Recipes Information:

Learning Curve:

At first, I was at a loss as to what to do. Then I began to research like mad. I learned about ingredients I had never heard of before. It was used for years. If not centuries in other countries. That was the first step. The second step was to do research. I began to experiment with these newly found ingredients. They were more costly than normal regular everyday ingredients. Several of my first recipes were complete and utter failures.

There were several times when I thought about giving up. However, since I couldn’t even have ketchup off the shelf I had to make my own. I had to create my own recipe. They say necessity is the mother of invention. And indeed it is true for me.

What Monkfruit is?

It is a refined sugar-free sweetener and grows on vines. Incredibly it was called Monkfruit. Since it was the Buddhist monks who first began using the fruit. It is indeed indigenous to Thailand and China. It is used in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. (1) In fact, the first writings about the use of this sweetener were during the Tang Dynasty in the 13th century. (2)

Also known as Luo Han Guo, S. Grosvenorii, longevity fruit, big fellows fruit, Rakanka (Japanese), Nahan’gwa (Korean), and Momordica fruit, Arhats (India) La Han Qua (Vietnamese). (3) (6)

According to a legend linked to Buddha himself as the fruit itself resembles his belly and some of its cultural attributes. (5)

Where is it from?

It is extracted from the fruit after removing the skin and seeds. The juice collected is monk fruit. (4) It is from a subtropic melon type of fruit from China as well as other parts of Asia including Thailand. The fruit deteriorates quickly and therefore can be hard to find. However, the dried fruit is

Are there any Health Benefits?

Monkfruit Sweeteners have antioxidant properties and have anti-inflammatory properties. (7)(8) As a matter of fact, Monkfruit has zero carbohydrates, a zero on the GI (glycemic index), zero sugars, as well as increased good cholesterol. (11)  Not to mention it has been widely used in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine for lung congestion, sore throat, and constipation (9) (10) (12) For the FDA’s information on monk fruit (S. Grosvenorii) find it here.

Can Monk Fruit Replace white sugar and brown sugar table sugar?

Yes, indeed it can be. Most sugar’s sweetness comes from fructose, unlike monkfruit sweetener which gets its sweetness from mogroside and tends to be 100 times sweeter than table sugar (white sugar). Reduce the amount to be used. Sometimes doing a taste test with small amounts before adding additional sweetener.

Monkfruit Sweetener Facts Information:

Types of Monkfruit?

It is sold in powder, granular, and liquid. I highly suggest purchasing 100% pure monkfruit or monkfruit in the raw. Some brands contain Erythritol (a natural sugar alcohol) or Xylitol (a natural sweetener) that occurs naturally in birch trees and other plants). Both are refined sugar-free. Double-check that the monk fruit you purchase is non-GMO and does not contain corn starch, maltodextrin, or dextrose.

Where to buy it?

At any rate, I have been able to find it at most local grocery stores where I live. In the event, you can’t find it try Thrive Market here or Amazon here.

Are there any cons?

Monkfruit Sweetener is more costly than table sugar. It can have additives. I recommended that you do your own research and form your own opinions on whether or not this is indeed an ingredient you want to add to your pantry.

Why I use monkfruit?

I personally prefer the taste of monkfruit to stevia which I feel has a bitter aftertaste. Monkfruit does taste a little different and is very sweet. But most people who try my recipes with monkfruit in them can’t tell the difference between them and table sugar. The texture is similar to table sugar. The flavor is sweeter and in my opinion, tastes a little like honeydew melon just way sweeter.

Is monkfruit Keto?

Yes, it is Keto friendly. As well as  Paleo, Vegan, Gaps Diet, and Vegetarian-friendly  There is even a Kosher brand.

Advice:

Please do your own research. Form your own opinions on whether or not this is indeed an ingredient you want to add to your pantry. Feel free to ask me any questions about it.

Monkfruit Sweetener Facts Recipes:

Incredibly I have been cooking and baking with monkfruit sweetener for a while now. Here are just a few of my recipes with monk fruit sweetener in them.

Grain-Free Lemon WafflesPepperkakor Crepes

Gluten-Free  Potsticker Meatballs

Espresso Chocolate Banana Bread