Stevia powder

Description

1. General Overview

Stevia powder is a natural, calorie-free sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Known for its intense sweetness—up to 200–300 times sweeter than sugar—stevia is widely used as a sugar substitute in beverages, desserts, and health-conscious recipes. Unlike artificial sweeteners, it is plant-based, with no known glycemic impact, making it ideal for people with diabetes or those following low-carb or calorie-restricted diets.

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2. Botanical and Geographic Information

• Botanical Name: Stevia rebaudiana

• Family: Asteraceae (sunflower family)

• Common Names: Stevia, sweet leaf, sugar leaf

• Origin: Native to South America, especially Paraguay and Brazil

• Cultivation Regions: Grown in China, India, Brazil, Paraguay, and parts of Africa

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3. Types of Stevia Powder

• Raw Green Powder: Dried and ground stevia leaves – mildly sweet with a slightly bitter, herbal aftertaste

• Refined White Powder (Steviol Glycosides): Highly purified extract, especially rebaudioside A (Reb A) – intensely sweet with little to no bitterness

Note: The white refined form is more commonly used in commercial food products.

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4. Physical Characteristics

• Appearance:

  • Raw: Green, fine, leafy powder

  • Refined: White, ultra-fine powder

• Taste: Extremely sweet; raw form may have a licorice-like or slightly bitter aftertaste

• Aroma: Neutral or slightly herbaceous

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5. Sweetness & Usage

• Sweetness Level: 200–300 times sweeter than table sugar (sucrose)

• Dosage: A pinch or tiny scoop is often enough—less is more

• Culinary Uses:

  • Sweetening teas, coffee, smoothies, and lemonades

  • Used in baking (adjust quantity and recipe to account for lost volume)

  • Blended with other natural sweeteners (like erythritol) for a sugar-like taste

  • Ideal for diabetic, keto, or low-carb diets

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6. Nutritional Profile

• Calories: 0 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: Negligible

• Glycemic Index: 0 – does not raise blood sugar levels

• Active Compounds:

  • Stevioside

  • Rebaudioside A (Reb A)

  • Dulcoside and Rubusoside – responsible for sweetness

• Minerals: Trace amounts in raw form (e.g., potassium, calcium)

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7. Health Benefits

Stevia is more than just a sweetener – it offers several potential health benefits:

• Blood Sugar Control: Does not spike insulin or glucose levels – diabetic-friendly

• Weight Management: Zero calories and helps reduce sugar cravings

• Oral Health: Does not contribute to tooth decay or cavities

• Blood Pressure: Some studies suggest mild blood pressure-lowering effects

• Antioxidant Activity: Especially in raw stevia leaf form

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8. Storage and Shelf Life

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place

• Shelf Life: Up to 3 years if stored properly away from moisture and light

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9. Safety & Considerations

• Approved Use: Recognized as safe by major food authorities (FDA, EFSA)

• Taste Sensitivity: Some people notice a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste

• Not for Fermentation: Stevia doesn’t caramelize or feed yeast in baking

• Pregnancy: Generally considered safe in moderate culinary use