Stevia powder is a sweet herb that is about 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar; it has a slight licorice-like flavor. It’s free from calories thus ideal by those who are watching their weights. The powder is also useful in preventing cavities especially in children. Other benefits of the stevia powder extract is that it stimulates the pancreas thus aiding in digestion and it does not feed yeast and other microorganisms. It improves the taste and flavor of foods and drinks.
The stevia powder is available in various forms such as crude green powder and brown liquid which usually has an unpleasant taste of licorice. However, the white powder is most suitable for cooking. Since working with the white stevia powder is difficult, it’s recommended to create a liquid solution that is much easier to work with. 1 teaspoon of the powder is dissolved in 3 tablespoons of filtered water.
Stevia powder extract is safe for use by people suffering from diabetes and hypoglycemia as it contains no artificial additives. It’s usually added onto beverages such as coffee, tea, lemonade and other soft drinks. A sixteenth of a teaspoon is recommended for a cup as the powder is very concentrated.