Stevia Plants...Get Down the Garden Centre

Stevia Plants…Get Down the Garden Centre

June 18, 2017July 13, 2017
by Jacqueline Whitehart

I have a stevia plant in my garden. I got it from the garden centre for very little money and it’s doing surprisingly well. Together with mint, they are the only plants not to have withered away and died under my un-greenfingered hand.

If you can get yourself one of these it’s a revelation. Try the naturally sweet leaves – yummy!

I’m not a fan of sweeteners in general. Not even stevia sweeteners – although I do think stevia powder is a lot nicer and better for you than other sweeteners. But I’ve tried and failed to cook with it. The bitter aftertaste and the inconsistency in terms of quantity to use just doesn’t work for me. So as a result you’ll not find sweeteners in my recipes.

So I’m a little bit surprised to be talking to you about the stevia plant. The difference is of course it’s really really natural- a herb you pick and use fresh. And if you taste it – it’s a beautiful natural sweetness with absolutely no bitterness.

I haven’t found a way to use it for baking (yet!) but in drinks and desserts it’s the bees knees!

I’ve put a couple of simple ideas (too simple to be recipes!) here and I urge you to get down your local garden centre and get some.

Jacqueline
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Forest Fruit Sparkle

Handful of frozen forest fruits or berries
Ice cubes
4 stevia leaves, torn
Sparkling water

No Sugar Fruit Yogurt

Make this the night before and leave overnight in the fridge for the flavours to develop.
Small pot (125g/4oz) natural yogurt
Handful of frozen red berries (or try mango)
4 stevia leaves, torn

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