Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, has taken the world by storm. With the global stevia market expected to reach USD 1.36 billion by 20291, and the number of food and beverage products containing stevia on the rise, it’s clear that this zero-calorie sweetener is here to stay. But what makes stevia so special?
Recent studies have revealed that stevia not only satisfies our sweet tooth without guilt but also offers a host of potential health benefits, from lowering cholesterol to managing diabetes.
Here’s the process of growing stevia and extracting its sweet compounds so you can enjoy the benefits of this amazing plant.
Growing Stevia at Home
Stevia is a relatively easy plant to grow, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun. To get started, you can either purchase stevia plants from a nursery or start your own from seed. If starting from seed, sow them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant the seedlings outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.
When planting stevia, choose a location with plenty of sunlight and space the plants about 18 inches apart. Stevia plants can grow up to 3 feet tall, so make sure to give them room to spread out. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, and fertilize every few weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
To encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering (which can make the leaves taste bitter), pinch back the growing tips of the plant regularly. Stevia can be grown as an annual in most climates, but in zones 8 and above, it may survive as a perennial with proper care.
Harvesting Stevia Leaves
Stevia leaves are ready to harvest when the plant reaches about 6 inches in height, which typically takes around two months from transplanting. The best time to harvest is in the morning when the leaves contain the highest concentration of sweet compounds.
To harvest, simply snip off the desired number of leaves with clean scissors or pruners. You can harvest individual leaves or cut entire stems, depending on your needs. Be sure to leave enough leaves on the plant to allow for continued growth.
Extracting Stevia Sweetener
There are several ways to extract the sweet compounds from stevia leaves, but the most common methods are:
Stevia Extract
- Wash and dry 1 cup of fresh stevia leaves, then crush them slightly.
- Place the leaves in a glass jar and cover with 1 cup of vodka or other high-proof alcohol.
- Seal the jar and let it steep for 36-48 hours, shaking occasionally.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a saucepan.
- Heat the liquid over low heat until it reduces to a syrup-like consistency, about 20-30 minutes.
- Store the finished extract in a dark glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Stevia Powder
- Harvest and wash stevia leaves, then dry them thoroughly in the sun, in a dehydrator, or in an oven on low heat.
- Once the leaves are crisp and brittle, remove them from the stems and grind them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or food processor.
- Sift the powder through a fine mesh strainer to remove any larger pieces.
- Store the stevia powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Using Stevia Sweetener
Stevia extract and powder can be used to sweeten a variety of foods and beverages, including:
- Coffee and tea
- Smoothies and juices
- Yogurt and oatmeal
- Baked goods (use about 1/2 teaspoon of stevia powder as an equivalent to a cup of sugar in recipes)
- Sauces and dressings
Keep in mind that stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Growing and extracting your own stevia sweetener is a fun and rewarding project that can help you reduce your sugar intake without sacrificing taste. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy the sweet benefits of this amazing plant right from your own backyard.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.