Have you ever tried real stevia extract? Homemade Stevia extract is actually quite easy to make and only needs two ingredients and a few simple steps.
Now, the reason I ask if you’ve tasted it before is because stevia really does have a very unique aftertaste. Most people do not know that, because all they have tasted is the highly processed and barely natural stevia that is called “All Natural” Stevia powder. You can read more about this in my article, “Real Stevia is Not White”.
I think stevia is a great sweetener, and I use it in my tea.
The wonderful thing about stevia is that it does not raise your blood sugar levels or effect your body like other sugars do.
It does not cause the internal inflammation of cane sugar that is so dangerous. So, if you like a little sweetener, this is a fabulous all natural alternative that you can make yourself.
Making Homemade Stevia Extract
The Leaf
I grow my own. You can definitely find the leaf online at various locations, but to get a starter plant is really ideal. They are super easy to grow and are cold hardy. I keep mine in a pot and put it in the garage during the winter. It dies back from the cold, but sprouts back as soon as I put it out in the Spring.
Trimming the plant down during the summer actually encourages a much stronger plant. You can see below my recently cut plant. This means you can pinch off a few leaves as you walk by (like my kids do) and encourage the plant’s growth and strength.
The Stevia Extract
Using a vodka from a country that does not use GMO corn will ensure that you have a non-GMO extract without having to buy organic vodka.
Gather your leaves. If you do not have fresh, you can use dried (just not powder because it will make it very difficult to sift out later). Chop them coarsely. You can even rub them together in your hands to bruise them and release more of the oil.
Place the leaves in a jar. Use enough to fill the jar, but you don’t have to pack it tightly.
Pour vodka into the jar to the top. Close tightly, shake, and allow to sit for 36-48 hours. No More! Any more will make your extract bitter.
After the 36 hour period, pour though a sieve into a sauce pan and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Do not boil or it will become bitter. This will burn off most of the alcohol, but leave enough so that it will keep fresh in a sealed jar for a long time. It also sweetens the extract even more.
Place in a sealed jar and enjoy.
Homemade Stevia Extract
Ingredients
- Stevia Leaf dried or fresh
- Vodka
- Glass jars
Instructions
- Gather your leaves. If you do not have fresh, you can use dried (just not powder because it will make it very difficult to sift out later). Chop them coarsely. You can even rub them together in your hands to bruise them and release more of the oil.
- Place the leaves in a jar. Use enough to fill the jar, but you don’t have to pack it in too tightly.
- Pour vodka into the jar to the top. Close tightly, shake, and allow to sit for 36-48 hours. No More!! Any more will make your extract bitter.
- After the 36 hour period, pour though a sieve into a sauce pan and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Do not boil! This will burn off most of the alcohol, but leave enough so that it will keep in a sealed jar for a long time. It also sweetens the extract even more.
- Place in a sealed jar and enjoy.
How to Use Homemade Stevia Extract:
Place a few drops into your tea or other drink. I use 5-10 drops to 8 ounces of tea, but experiment to see how much you prefer.
For More Extracts, Check out:
I also may have a few more bottle of this extract that I made in my shop.
You can try it out before you make your own.
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