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How to Harvest a Stevia Plant
How to Harvest a Stevia Plant. Stevia is an herb native to South America that has quickly become popular with American consumers for its sweeter-than-sugar qualities and safe use by hypoglycemic and diabetic people. Growing and harvesting your own stevia plant is possible in temperate climates.
Stevia is an herb native to South America that has quickly become popular with American consumers for its sweeter-than-sugar qualities and safe use by hypoglycemic and diabetic people. Growing and harvesting your own stevia plant is possible in temperate climates.
Things You'll Need
Stevia plant
Pruning shears
Screen or net for drying
Dehydrator
Coffee grinder
Herb blender
Measuring cup
Warm water
Jar
Harvest stevia in the late fall, before the first frost or as soon as the blossoming begins, when the sweetener is at its strongest.
Cut the branches with pruning shears. Leave 1/3 of the plant's foliage so it may continue growing the following season.
Strip the leaves from the branches.
Dry the leaves on a screen or net. Leave them outside in full sunshine for 8 to 10 hours. Alternately, use an electric dehydrator on low (100 degrees F to 110 degrees F).
Stop drying when the leaves are crisp, crumbly and bright green. Avoid overdrying (the leaves will lose their sweetness).
Crush the dry leaves by hand or with a coffee grinder or herb blender.
Keep and use the herbs in their crushed form or make liquid stevia extract.
Add 1 cup of water to 1/4 cup crushed leaves. Let it set for 24 hours; pour the extract into a jar. Keep it refrigerated.
Tips & Warnings
Use stevia to replace sugar in tea, coffee and other beverages, as well as in baked goods and other foods.
