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Understanding Stevia: A Comprehensive Guide to its Origins and Processing

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Ben Wood
Understanding Stevia: A Comprehensive Guide to its Origins and Processing

Stevia, scientifically known as Stevia rebaudiana, is a plant native to South America, where it has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener and medicinal herb. The sweetness of stevia is derived from its naturally occurring compounds called steviol glycosides, with the most abundant and well-known being stevioside and rebaudioside A. These compounds are responsible for the intense sweetness of stevia, which can be up to 200-300 times sweeter than sugar.


To produce stevia as a sweetener, the leaves of the stevia rebaudiana plant are harvested, dried, and undergo an extraction process to isolate the steviol glycosides. This process involves steeping the leaves in water, then separating and purifying the sweet compounds through various filtration and purification methods. The resulting extract is then further processed to remove any lingering impurities and to create different forms of stevia, such as liquid extracts, powdered extracts, or granulated forms that closely resemble sugar.


It's important to note that stevia, in its pure form, has no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels. This makes it an attractive option for individuals seeking natural and low-calorie alternatives to sugar. Understanding the origins and processing of stevia can help consumers make informed choices and incorporate this natural sweetener into their diets.


Stevia is particularly suitable for recipes that don't heavily rely on sugar for structure, such as cheesecakes, custards, or mousse. In these recipes, the natural sweetness of stevia can shine through without compromising the overall texture.


When baking with stevia, it's essential to pay attention to the amount of liquid ingredients in your recipe. Stevia can affect the moisture content, so you might need to adjust the ratios accordingly. It's a good idea to start with tried and tested stevia-based recipes to get a sense of the adjustments needed before experimenting with your own creations.


Read More:

http://thrivearticles.weebly.com/article/stevia-in-the-kitchen-tips-and-tricks-for-cooking-and-baking-with-stevia



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