 Cooking with Stevia | Stevia, Stevia rebaudiana is a natural sweetener 300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia's minimal effect on blood glucose and the bad publicity of sugar and artificial sweeteners has made stevia much more popular lately. Stevia has been used in South America for hundreds of years and Japan has been using stevia as an alternative to sugar for decades. |
Stevia Powder:
1/2 cup dried stevia leaves
Stevia Liquid Extract:
1/2 cup dried stevia leaves
1 cup water
1/2 cup dried stevia leaves
- Place leaves in blender on high for about 30 seconds. Leaves should be a fine powder.
- You can also use a mortar and pestle to crush the leaves.
- Remove any stems or veins and place the stevia powder into a clean glass jar with tight fitting top.
Stevia Liquid Extract:
1/2 cup dried stevia leaves
1 cup water
- Pour water into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Do not boil.
- Add stevia leaves to simmering water and remove from heat.
- Cover, allow to steep for 40 minutes.
- Strain leaves through cheese cloth or coffee filter.
- Pour strained liquid into a clean glass jar and refrigerate.
- This will keep for 2 weeks if refrigerated.
Stevia Conversion Chart
| Sugar 1 teaspoon 1 tablespoon 1 cup | Stevia Powder pinch to 1/16 1 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon 1 teaspoon | Stevia Liquid 2 to 4 drops 6 to 9 drops 1 teaspoon |
Stevia, like other foods may cause allergic reactions in some people. According to the New Health Guide website people with pre-existing allergies to chrysanthemums, marigolds, ragweed or daisies are at greater risk of a stevia reaction. Symptoms may include: dizziness, hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, general weakness or having a hard time swallowing shortly after consuming stevia. Other Side-Effects: aching and sore muscles or a feeling of numbness and dizziness when standing up or moving.
- If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking stevia immediately, and if the side-effects are prolonged or pronounced, seek emergency medical treatment straight away. As well, stevia consumption is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding, as the sweetener is not currently approved for infant consumption.
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