How Do You Make Stevia Extract?
Stevia is a shrubby herb cultivated for its ability to add sweetness to foods without calories. Although you can use the dried stevia leaves to add mild sweetness to beverages, the extract of stevia leaves is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar and can stretch your stevia supply. The extract is calorie free and its potency means you can sweeten your recipes without diluting them with unnecessary liquid. Harvest your stevia in the morning when the essential oils peak. You must use stevia grown without pesticides, as the extract-making process concentrates undesirable chemicals. Wash the leaves and stems and remove any brown plant parts. Chop the leaves and stems coarsely. You must prepare enough fresh stevia to fill two lightly packed measuring cups. Combine the stevia with one cup of clear grain alcohol or vodka. You can use flavor-infused vodkas for variety, such as pear or citrus. Leave the stevia mixture steeping overnight in a covered container, but not more than 48 hours. Excessi
