Grow Your Own Stevia Plant

It’s Zippy Tip Tuesday!

I don’t know about you, but I get a little confused sometimes when it comes to knowing what is actually healthy for us to eat.  We hear so many claims that something is good for us, when suddenly it is bad.  Canola oil is good.  But wait, canola oil is bad!  Eggs are bad.  But wait, eggs aren’t so bad after all!  Sugar is bad. Use artificial sweeteners instead.  But wait, artificial sweeteners are bad!

So I made a decision to cut artificial sweeteners out of my diet, and I did it cold turkey.  No more sugar free candy, Jello, pudding, soft drinks (the hardest!).  If it’s labeled “diet” or “sugar free”, I try not to consume it.

So what do I use instead? Anytime I want to sweeten my tea or oatmeal or anything else that needs sweetening, I use either honey, agave nector, or stevia. In fact, I started growing my own stevia plants.

The plants are found at any local greenhouse. The label might not always be called Stevia. Sometimes it might be under the term “sweet herb”.

It is very easy to harvest.  Just dry the leaves by placing them on netting or a screen (anything where there is circulation all around) and leaving them in the sun for 8 hours.

Make extract by crumpling the leaves into a bowl and adding hot water to steep for 24 hours (1 part leaves to 4 parts water).  You can also put the leaves into a grinder to make a powder (see video below).

So if you’re looking to cut down on sugar and artificial sweeteners, stevia is a great natural alternative.  As for the rest of the healthy eating do’s and don’t’s, I guess we just have to wait and see!

Watch video here:

Can’t see video?  Watch it here:  Stevia 101