Thaumatin Natural Sweetener

The West African Katemfe fruit Thaumatococcus daniellii is the source of Thaumatin, a natural sweetener. This fruit grows on a large flowering herb that can reach up to 4 meters in height, with papery leaves up to 46 centimeters long. It is primarily found in the rainforests of West Africa where it is known as the 'miraculous fruit of Sudan' or 'katemfe'. The fruit contains thaumatin in its red, triangular, 4 cm diameter aril, which is surrounded by a soft, fleshy red flesh. The aril is traditionally used in West Africa for sweetening bread, palm wine, and sour food, while the rest of the fruit is used medicinally for various purposes. Interestingly, thaumatin is only perceived as sweet by Old World Monkeys and Apes, including humans, but rats and pigs can experience the flavor enhancement effects of thaumatin. Approved as a food additive sweetener in many countries.