How to make STEVIA EXTRACT at home (SO EASY!!) | Auxhart Gardening

Introduction

Making stevia extract at home is a simple and cost-effective process. Not only is stevia a natural sweetener, but growing your own stevia plants can also provide you with a fresh supply year-round. This tutorial will guide you through the steps to grow and extract stevia, ensuring you enjoy its sweetness without the high price tag.

Step 1: Grow Your Stevia Plants

• Select Your Location

  • Choose a sunny spot in your garden or use containers if space is limited.
  • Stevia prefers well-draining soil; consider using potting mix for containers.

• Planting

  • Obtain stevia seeds or young plants from a nursery.
  • If using seeds, plant them about 1/4 inch deep in moist soil.
  • Space plants about 18 inches apart to allow for growth.

• Care and Maintenance

  • Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy.
  • Fertilize sparingly; too much nitrogen can reduce sweetness.
  • Harvest leaves throughout the growing season for fresh use.

Step 2: Harvesting Stevia Leaves

• Timing for Harvest

  • Harvest leaves when the plant is about 12-18 inches tall.
  • The best time to pick is just before the plant flowers, as this is when the leaves are sweetest.

• How to Harvest

  • Use scissors or garden shears to cut leaves from the stems.
  • Aim for the top leaves, leaving some for the plant to continue growing.

Step 3: Drying the Leaves

• Preparation for Drying

  • Rinse the harvested leaves gently to remove any dirt or insects.
  • Pat them dry with a clean towel.

• Drying Methods

  • Air Drying: Spread the leaves on a clean surface in a warm, dry area away from direct sunlight. Allow them to dry for about 1-2 weeks.
  • Oven Drying: Place leaves on a baking sheet and dry in the oven at the lowest temperature for 2-4 hours, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Step 4: Making Stevia Extract

• Ingredients Needed

  • Dried stevia leaves
  • Vodka or another high-proof alcohol

• Extraction Process

  • Chop the dried leaves into smaller pieces to increase surface area.
  • Place the chopped leaves in a glass jar and cover them with vodka, ensuring the leaves are fully submerged.
  • Seal the jar and allow it to steep in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks. Shake the jar daily to aid extraction.

• Straining the Extract

  • After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container.
  • Discard the solid leaves, and the remaining liquid is your stevia extract.

Conclusion

Making stevia extract at home is straightforward and rewarding. By following these steps, you can grow your own stevia plants, harvest the leaves, and create a natural sweetener right in your kitchen. Enjoy using your homemade stevia extract in beverages, baking, or as a sugar substitute in your cooking. Consider sharing your experience or experimenting with different extraction methods to find what works best for you!