How to Use the Stevia Plant As a Sweetner

Growing your own stevia plant gives you access to an all-natural alternative to sugar. Stevia leaf is sweeter than sugar, so you need much less in recipes. You can use the leaves of a stevia plant in your garden to make your own stevia liquid sweetener drops. While using whole, dried stevia leaves off of a plant to create homemade sweetener drops will not be as potent as the refined liquid product sold in stores, you will only need a a few homemade drops to sweeten your tea, coffee or cereal. The level of sweetness from your stevia plant will depend upon when you harvest the leaves, the age of the plant and the amount of drying time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stevia leaves, freshly picked in fall
• 2 squares of mesh or wire netting
• Coffee grinder or mortar and pestle
• ¼ cup dried and crushed stevia leaves
• 1 cup water
• 1 pint glass jar with lid

1. Arrange the stevia leaves in a single layer on top of one square of mesh or wire netting.

2. Lay the second square of mesh on top of the leaves to keep birds and pests out.

3. Place this drying setup in a dry, sunny spot.

4. Let the stevia dry for 12 hours. Remove the leaves, and bring them inside for preparation.

5. Crush the dried leaves by grinding in a coffee grinder, crushing with a pestle inside a mortar or rubbing between your hands.

6. Put one-fourth cup of crushed dried stevia leaves into the one-pint jar and pour one cup of water over it.

7. Let this stevia liquid sit at room temperature for 24 hours before transferring to the refrigerator. Use within one week.

8. Add several drops of the liquid stevia to your favorite drinks and dishes. Adjust the amount to your personal sweetness preference.

References

• Tips on Growing Stevia

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