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.
Instructions
1. 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.
2. Chop the leaves and stems coarsely. You must prepare enough fresh stevia to fill two lightly packed measuring cups.
3. 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.
4. Leave the stevia mixture steeping overnight in a covered container, but not more than 48 hours. Excessive steeping increases bitterness. Stir or gently shake the mixture several times while it steeps.
5. Strain the alcohol and stevia mixture through cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove the plant matter. The mixture should appear greenish.
6. Bring the stevia extract to a simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. This evaporates the alcohol and concentrates the extract.
7. Store the extract in the refrigerator up to three months. You must dilute the extract to taste before using with water.
Tags: leaves stems, Make Stevia, Make Stevia Extract, stevia leaves, stevia mixture
