In Basket: January 2012

By The Herb Companion Staff
Published on October 24, 2011
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Photo by Fotolia/Photo SG
You can easily make your own liquid stevia sweetener from fresh stevia leaves.

Using Fresh Stevia Leaves

I use stevia as a sweetener and I have grown some myself. After drying it, I use my mortar and pestle to make it into powder. Can I use it the same way I use the type I buy? Mine is of course green, and not white like I buy in the store.

–Joyce Regan, Henderson, Nevada

The white store-bought stevia has been processed and tastes much sweeter than homegrown stevia. Your stevia will probably be healthier. There is no harm in experimenting with your dried product, especially in teas. You could also make your own liquid stevia extract by combining 1 cup warm water with 1/2 cup macerated fresh stevia leaves in a jar with a lid. Let the mixture stand for 24 hours, strain and store in the refrigerator. -Eds.


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