Stevia
Sweetener
Natural sweetener, much sweeter than sugar, use in small amounts.
Functions
Dietary Info
About Stevia
Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. Known for its intense sweetness, often 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, it is used in baking to reduce calorie content while maintaining flavor. Stevia's key properties include its heat stability and zero-calorie profile, making it ideal for health-conscious baking. Its flavor is characterized by a slight licorice aftertaste, so it's often blended with other sweeteners to balance taste and enhance the overall flavor of cookies, cakes, breads, and pastries.
History
Stevia has been used for centuries by indigenous people in Paraguay and Brazil, notably the Guarani, who called it "ka'a he'ê" or "sweet herb." It gained international attention in the 20th century when researchers began exploring its potential as a sugar substitute. Japan was an early adopter, approving stevia as a sweetener in the 1970s, leading to its global popularity. In the early 21st century, after rigorous testing and approval by food safety authorities, including the FDA, stevia became a common ingredient in baking, appealing to those seeking natural and calorie-free alternatives to sugar.