Abstract: The subject invention relates to a natural sweetening composition comprising:(a) sweet juice derived from the botanical genus/species Siraitia grosvenorii, S. siamensis, S. silomaradjae, S. sikkimensis, S. africana, S. borneensis, S. taiwaniana or mixtures thereof; and(b) sugar, wherein said sugar is selected fructose, sucrose, glucose or mixtures thereof; and wherein the ratio of the sweet juice to the sugar is from about 1:1 to about 1:5. An edible acid and/or an edible salt can be added to the composition to improve the flavor. A beverage comprising an effective amount of a flavoring system and a sweetening composition is also claimed. These beverages are reduced calorie and can be supplemented with vitamins and minerals.

Abstract: A process for making aseptic citrus sensible pulp involves the steps of: (a) extracting and finishing citrus juice containing sensible pulp to produce a pulp/juice slurry containing 30% to 50% pulp and 50% to 70% juice; (b) sterilizing the pulp/juice slurry by heating it at a temperature above 190.degree. F. (88.degree. C.) for at least 30 seconds; (c) further finishing the pulp/juice slurry in a finisher which maintains aseptic conditions to produce an aseptic pulp product containing 80% to 100% pulp and up to 20% juice; and (d) packaging the pulp product under aseptic conditions. An aseptic citrus sensible pulp product comprises 80% to 100% citrus sensible pulp and up to 20% citrus juice, where the sensible pulp is aseptic, has a pectin methylesterase activity not more than 1.0 P.E.U., and has an average size 10% to 25% larger than conventional pulp, and where at least 90% of the sensible pulp is broken juice sacs. A citrus juice comprises 93% to 97.5% citrus juice with a viscosity not more than 5.