Stevia is a unique member of the plant family. While almost all other green leaves are bitter, stevia leaves are beautifully sweet right from the garden and can be easily transformed into a healthier alternative to processed sugar and toxic sugar substitutes.
Steviol glycocides are the compounds that make the plant’s leaves and extracts 40 times sweeter than sugar, and when concentrated into powder, stevia is 300 times sweeter. Leaves from the stevia plant also contain vitamins A and C, calcium, fiber, potassium and zinc.
According to SteviaPoint.com,
Other benefits of stevia glycerite include the decrease of skin blemishes when applied topically, relief of stomach discomfort, improvement of moods, increase in energy and alertness levels, and growth stoppage of bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis.
What is Stevia Glycerite?
Stevia glycerite is a sweet herbal tincture of dried stevia leaves extracted in vegetable glycerine that can be used as a natural beverage sweetener and for baking and cooking.
Tinctures are typically made with alcohol, but glycerine provides effective extraction along with the sweetness needed for this project. It's also an excellent alternative for children and adults who need a more palatable option or are sensitive to alcohol.
How to Make Stevia Glycerite
Ingredients: Makes 1 pint
- 1/3 cup dried coarsely ground stevia leaves (grow and dry your own, or purchase dried stevia leaves)
- 3/4 cup distilled water
- 1 cup non-GMO vegetable glycerin
Supplies
- 2 Mason jars, pint sized with lids (sterilized in boiling water)
- Wax paper
- Cheesecloth
Directions
- Place dried stevia leaves in one of your mason jars.
- Next, add the distilled water and glycerin.
- Wipe the rim of the jar to ensure it’s clean, place the wax paper on top of the jar and cap tightly.
- Shake the contents thoroughly.
- Label and store in a dark location.
- Shake your glycerite mix frequently over the next 14 days.
- After two weeks, filter the mix through cheesecloth into the other mason jar to remove the herbs leaving just the liquid behind. Label and cap tightly.
- Now your homemade sweetener is ready to use. Store it in an airtight container (light-resistant if possible) in the refrigerator. If stored properly, the glycerite should last for up to 1 year.
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8 comments
How interesting tips. Thank for share. I am going to try it.
So glad you like it! ~Laura
Because it is a natural sweetener that has no calories, Stevia glycerite can greatly benefit different groups of people.
But isn’t glycerine sugar? I use ground stevia by itself and i would love to use this but i have mold illness and systemic yeast and i am not supposed to have any sugar and i was told by many that glycerine is a sugar. Also, i had cancer in 2014 and i stay away form sugar bc that is what feeds cancer.
Glycerine is classified as a sugar alcohol, but is not very sweet. In your case, we recommend speaking with your healthcare professional about whether it’s appropriate for use. Here’s a link to more information: http://www.sugar-and-sweetener-guide.com/glycerol.html. Wishing you well! ~The Soft Landing Sisters
Hi! I have been wanting to try this for some time now but had no clue how to go about it until I just ran across this post. Now, I wonder if you could tell me how much ground stevia leaf I would need. I’m thinking I would use less than just the chopped up leaves, but have no idea what the conversion would be. (I bought a finely ground, gree stevia.) Any ideas?
Would this be used in the same proportions as that of store-bought liquid stevia? Same strength?
Hi Naomi! It’s not as strong so it takes a bit more to get the job done. The great part about that is that there’s less bitterness to it too.