Stevia is a small perennial plant native to South America. A member of the Chrysanthemum family, stevia has been valued for centuries for its healing properties and use as a potent, natural sweetener. Stevia is approximately 300 times sweeter than sucrose, and when used in moderation as a substitute for table sugar, it is calorie free. Although the Food and Drug Administration has approved stevia as a dietary supplement, questions remain as to the herb's safety if consumed in large doses. Consult with your primary care physician before using the herb as an artificial sweetener, advises MayoClinic.com.
Step 1
Add two drops of liquid stevia alcohol extract to your cup of coffee or tea. Because two drops of Stevia extract is equivalent to 1 tsp. of table sugar, avoid using liquid extract for baking recipes.
Step 2
Buy a box of stevia leaf powder to use as a sugar substitute in baked goods. Substitute 1 tbsp. of stevia leaf powder for each cup of table sugar.
Step 3
Carry individual packets of stevia in your purse or briefcase as a replacement for the sucrose and artificial sweeteners provided in most restaurants.
Step 4
Place dried whole stevia leaves into a coffee grinder or small food blender and process for a few seconds. Store the stevia powder in a clean glass jar for future use.
Step 5
Avoid confusing stevia leaf powder with stevia extract powder. Use just 1/3 tsp. of extract to sweeten any recipe that calls for a single cup of table sugar.
Tips and Warnings
- Stevia may be grown as a house plant when placed in a sunny location and watered daily.
- Although the taste is not affected, white cakes or muffins sweetened with stevia may have a slight green tint after baking.
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