A natural, calorie-free sweetener you can grow in your home garden? Sign me up! You may have seen stevia sweetener powder in the grocery aisles, but you can grow your own much cheaper and use your harvest year-round.
THE stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana) is a herb native to Brazil and Paraguay and hardy in USDA zones 9-11. However, you can grow it as an annual in other zones and it makes a particularly nice container plant or addition to a kitchen garden.
Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia is a natural source of sweetness and, unlike sugar or honey, it has zero calories. You can grow stevia from seed or buy live stevia plant from Hirt’s Gardens in the Amazon. Let’s explore how to grow and use stevia as a natural, homemade sweetener!
How to grow stevia plants
Did you know that stevia is 200-300 times sweeter than white sugar? Very impressive for such a low-key plant, and you can easily grow your own to sweeten any recipe.
Stevia plants like warmth and well-drained soil. While it is perennial herbs in USDA zones 9-11they can be overwintered indoors in colder climates or replanted each spring. Plant your stevia plants 18 inches apart in the ground or in a raised bed, or plant one in a 12-inch pot.
Stevia likes consistent moisture, but you shouldn’t let the soil get soggy. A simple one soil moisture meter from Amazon it will help you monitor moisture levels or water when the top of the soil is dry.
Make sure your stevia plants get 6 or more hours of sunlight and cut off any flowers that may appear to help the leaves retain their sweetness.
Stevia leaves are sweetest during the fall when temperatures begin to cool, but can still be harvested and enjoyed in the spring and summer.
How to use stevia plants as a natural sugar-free sweetener
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There are a few different ways to use stevia leaves to sweeten your culinary adventures. The leaves can be used fresh, dried or as an infusion. The leaves of the stevia plant are about a quarter of the sweetness of commercially available stevia powders, so it’s harder to over-sweeten things.
Note: Stevia leaves and commercial stevia powders should not be consumed during pregnancy without first consulting your doctor.
1. Using fresh stevia leaves
A great way to use your stevia is fresh from the plant! Take a leaf, pour it into a mug and pour your hot tea or coffee to bring out its sweetness.
You could do the same thing by making a batch of iced tea this summer! Boil water, put tea bags and 4-5 stevia leaves in your pitcher and pour the water. Let it cool and add some ice for a taste of summer without the sugar!
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2. Using dried stevia leaves
Again, your stevia will be sweetest at the end of the growing season, but you can harvest it throughout the season. To save the sweetness for your cups of tea this fall and winter, pick and dry your leaves to use as a powder.
Cut the stems of the stevia and remove the leaves from them. Place the leaves on a kitchen towel in the sun to dry for a few days or use a food dehydrator like this highly rated one from Amazon to speed things up. Once the leaves are dry, pulse them in a food processor or spice grinder to turn them into a powder that can be stored in an airtight container.
Take a pinch and add it to your food and drinks to add sweetness!
3. Make an infusion of stevia leaves
A great way to use your stevia leaves is in an infusion. You can make an infusion with water or by using vodka and roasting the alcohol it contains.
To infuse with waterrinse and coarsely chop ½ cup stevia leaves. Place in a jar and pour 1 cup hot water on top. Boil for 24-36 hours and drain the leaves. You can also use a teapot with removable tea infuser basket like this one from Amazon. Store your infusion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
To make an infusion with vodkarinse and coarsely chop 1 cup of stevia leaves. Place the leaves in a lidded jar with 1 cup of any brand of vodka, cover and shake the jar. Make sure all the leaves are covered by the vodka and let it sit for no more than 48 hours. Drain the leaves and pour the infusion into a small saucepan. Simmer the vodka infusion on the stove for 5-7 minutes to extinguish the alcohol and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 months.
Stevia is a great way to sweeten drinks and foods naturally without adding sugar and extra calories. Add this unique herb to your garden and get ready for a sweet reward!
