How to Make Your Own Pure Stevia and Liquid Stevia

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make your own pure stevia and liquid stevia from scratch. This guide will help you understand the process of extracting sweetness from the stevia plant, allowing you to enjoy a natural, calorie-free sweetener in your recipes. Making your own stevia can be a cost-effective and healthier alternative to store-bought options.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

To begin, you will need the following:

• Fresh stevia leaves or dried stevia leaves
• Water (for making liquid stevia)
• A pan for boiling
• A strainer or cheesecloth
• A blender (optional, for pure stevia powder)
• An airtight container for storage

Practical Tips

• If you want to grow your own stevia, refer to the resources available on Halle Cottis' website.
• Use only organic stevia to avoid pesticides or chemicals.

Step 2: Prepare the Stevia Leaves

If you are using fresh leaves, follow these steps:

1. Harvest Fresh Leaves: Pick a handful of stevia leaves from the plant.
2. Wash the Leaves: Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
3. Dry the Leaves: Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

For dried leaves, ensure they are completely dried and free from moisture.

Step 3: Make Pure Stevia Powder

To create pure stevia powder, follow these steps:

1. Blend the Leaves:

   • Place the dried stevia leaves in a blender.
   • Blend until you achieve a fine powder consistency.

2. Store the Powder:

   • Transfer the powder into an airtight container.
   • Label the container with the date for future reference.

Common Pitfalls

• Avoid over-blending, as this can create clumps or heat up the leaves, reducing sweetness.

Step 4: Prepare Liquid Stevia

To make liquid stevia extract, follow these instructions:

1. Boil Water:

   • In a pan, bring about 1 cup of water to a boil.

2. Add Stevia Leaves:

   • Once boiling, add about 1 cup of fresh or dried stevia leaves to the water.
   • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Strain the Mixture:

   • After simmering, remove from heat and strain the liquid using a strainer or cheesecloth to separate the leaves from the liquid.

4. Cool and Store:

   • Allow the liquid to cool before transferring it into a clean, airtight container.
   • Store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Practical Advice

• You can adjust the amount of stevia leaves based on your desired sweetness level.
• Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding herbs or spices during the simmering process.

Conclusion

Now you know how to make your own pure stevia and liquid stevia at home! This natural sweetener can enhance your recipes while keeping your sugar intake low. Remember to store your stevia properly and enjoy experimenting with different uses in your cooking and baking. For more tips on growing your own stevia, check out Halle Cottis' website and connect on Facebook for a community of like-minded individuals. Happy sweetening!