How to Use Stevia Leaf

Stevia leaf is used to sweeten drinks, baked goods and can be used in almost any way that ordinary table sugar is used. Stevia leaf (Stevia rebaudiana) is a member of the Asteraceae family. It contains steviosides and diterpene glycosides that researchers believe give the plant its sweet taste. Stevia packs a powerful punch: a much smaller amount can be used as it is much sweeter than white refined sugar cane. Allergies are rare but are possible. Use sparingly to see if you are able to tolerate it without irritation.

Instructions

• 1

  Purchase stevia leaf online or in health food stores. It is found in many prepared foods such as hot cocoa, pancake and cookie mixes. It can also be found in specialty teas in natural foods markets.

• 2

  Use the stevia leaf tablets in drinks hot and cold. A simple hot cocoa can be made from combining soy or rice milk with stevia leaf tablets and cocoa powder heated slowly to blend. Add stevia leaf powder to strong or bitter Chinese herbal drinks that are normally boiled for 30 minutes and then left to sit and steep. Just before drinking, add stevia leaf powder to the cooled mixture.

• 3

  Sprinkle stevia leaf powder over cold and hot cereals such as (previously unsweetened) corn flakes, wheat bran or cooked oatmeal.

• 4

  Fold stevia leaf powder in any recipe that normally calls for refined white sugar. In cookie recipes, use half or even a third of the amount of the white sugar. For example, if ¾ cup of sugar is ordinarily used, use only ¼ or even less of stevia. This requires trial and error. It is a matter of subjective taste buds.

• 5

  Sweeten any fresh cut fruit with stevia leaf powder. Rather than an artificial sweetener or sugar, sprinkle stevia leaf powder over cut grapefruit, pears or even tart apples.