Stevia leaves are a natural sweetener and are used as a sugar substitute. They are 50 to 300 times sweeter than sugar. Drying stevia leaves into powder, drying them in the microwave, and storing dried stevia leaves are all topics of confusion. Let’s clear up all your doubts. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Drying Stevia Leaves in The Oven
Using ovens is an easy way to dry something. For drying stevia leaves in the oven, firstly, you simply need to clean them properly, and secondly, use low 140 degrees in the oven and keep them for 20 minutes. Well, it’s done! Generally, people dry stevia leaves using a food dehydrator or the natural procedure -” The Sunlight “.
But, an oven is also a good option for drying stevia leaves. Although it is not that common to all. Still, sometimes it’s seen raining outside or you don’t have any food dehydrator. In that case, the oven is a good option to dry stevia leaves for better use.
Simple procedures are discussed below for drying stevia leaves in the oven. It will hopefully help you.
Clean Stevia Leaves Properly
Before drying stevia leaves, it is mandatory to clean the leaves properly. For this reason, you need to wash the leaves first. After that, you can fan them for better air circulation. Later on, simply bundle them. Okay, you’re done with cleaning your stevia leaves!
Nevertheless, it is seen some people are using vodka to clean stevia leaves. They simply skip washing and chopping the leaves. Instead of that, vodka is used for cleanliness. However, it is a good choice not to use it considering health consciousness.
Use Low Degrees in The Oven
Normally you can use 200°F to dry anything related to food items. But about stevia leaves it is different. You have to use a low 140 degrees. This is why keep your oven below 140 degrees. Put the stevia leaves inside. Wait for 20 minutes. Here you go! It is completely done.
Using an oven for drying stevia leaves is comparatively easier than other procedures. You don’t have to wait for hours. You can save time and make your work easy.
Drying Stevia Leaves in The Microwave
Microwave ovens use microwaves which are forms of electromagnetic radiation to heat food. This microwave is also similar to radio waves. And, it is quite safe to dry the stevia leaves in the microwave ovens.
Anyway, you will need three things to dry stevia leaves using a microwave. Water, stevia plant, and a microwave. Pluck a paw of leaves off the plant. Wash them altogether. Now pop the leaves in the microwave for drying. Use 30-60 seconds! Done and dusted.
Turning Stevia Leaves into Powder –Are you planning to turn stevia leaves into powder? And you are confused about what to do? There you go with the easiest steps.
-Wash the branches in clean water.
-Pick stevia leaves off from the plant.
-Dry the leaves properly.
-Use a coffee grinder or food processor for the finest stevia powder.
-Keep them in a jar for further use.
Most of the users suggest a coffee grinder for a smooth result. The choice is all yours.
Cooking with Stevia Leaves
You can use stevia leaves like your table of sugar. You can cook with it too. Stevia is often considered natural, healthy, and less toxic. Sweetening a drink would be easy with it when you are on the way to burning your calories.
There is a sugar-to-stevia ratio for each brand on its own. So, it is a good decision to check it to measure out the sweetener. It would cause a bitter aftertaste of the overuse. Stevia does not have the same taste as sugar as it doesn’t have safe chemical particles.
So, it will not give the same taste as cakes, bread, cookies, or juice in the right texture. Try extra ingredients for a better experiment in cooking with Stevia. But make sure not to overuse it. You know the proverb right? Excess to anything is bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Health Concern Surrounding Stevia Leaves?
Yes, stevia leaves have some health risks nearby. Sometimes, it causes low blood pressure. This is a concern for those who take blood pressure medications. Plus, when it comes to overuse issues, that’s not healthy at all.
There is also research continuing about the health issues of using stevia leaves. Researchers say a certain chemical is naturally found in stevia leaves that can cause cancer and genetic mutations.
Is Dried Stevia Leaf Safe?
You can simply use dried stevia leaves making it in a syrup form. However, when it comes to safety issues, stevia leaves are not safe for daily use. It is an alternative use for diabetic patients. But, the raw stevia herb will harm your reproductive system, the cardiovascular system as well as kidneys.
Which One Is Better, Stevia or Sugar?
There is a common question all the time about whether stevia is healthier than sugar or not. Stevia indeed has fewer calories than sugar. So for diet management stevia plays an effective role by helping you eat low calories. As it is free of carbs and calories, it is an excellent alternative sugar for people who are on low-carb diets or low-calorie diets.
Termination
Stevia is a naturally sweet plant that is also zero-calorie. Currently, stevia is used for every dessert and sweet item as well as tea as an alternative to sugar. Sadly, overuse can be devastating to a person’s health. This is why it is important not to overuse it. Health concerns should be brought into all stages of life. Stevia leaves can be used but not exclusively.
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