Forms of Stevia
Stevia has slowly become a popular replacement for sugar for those looking for a sweetener, minus the effects that normal table sugar brings. It has also gained in popularity due to the various forms that Stevia comes in. While many use sugar in its granulated or liquid form, Stevia offers one more variety that can come in handy. Here is a look at the different forms and uses that Stevia has to offer.
Stevia Liquid
One of the forms that can be found is Stevia liquid. This makes it extremely easy on the user. A few drops here and a few drops there should suffice when using it to sweeten everyday drinks such as coffee or tea. Reading the label to see how strong each drop is in potency is highly recommended so that drinks are not over sweetened. If Stevia liquid will be used in cooking, then reviewing its potency is also highly recommended.
Stevia Powder
This form of Stevia is commonly used by many, however it must be noted that the serving size of Stevia powder is not equivalent to sugar. For example, one scoop of Stevia powder will be much sweeter than one scoop of sugar. For this reason alone, reading the label on all packages of Stevia is highly recommended. If the powder is used in cooking then diluting it and testing it for strength before use is also recommended.
Stevia Leaves
Stevia leaves are yet another form that Stevia comes in. There are two ways that you can use the leaves. The first way is to chop them up and use them in dishes that require some type of sweetener. The other way is to use them once they have been dried. Using them in a dried manner will help to naturally sweeten brewed drinks such as tea. Again, as previously mentioned, testing the potency of the Stevia is recommended to avoid overly sweetening dishes and drinks.
The different forms that Stevia comes in provide advantages and disadvantages. For example, carrying the liquid form of Stevia is much more convenient than carrying the leaf form. Adding just a dash of sweetener to drinks will be easier when using the liquid form, as opposed to chopping up fresh Stevia leaves.
Another advantage of using the liquid or powder form is the ease of availability. It will be much easier to obtain bottled stevia liquid and stevia powder, than it would be to obtain fresh stevia leaves. And it all depends on what the Stevia will be used for. When cooking, users may prefer leaves over the powder or liquid form, that choice is all up to the individual.
While all the talk has been about the different forms that Stevia comes in, a topic that needs to be addressed is the availability in particular countries. For example, it has been banned in Hong Kong and Singapore, while it still can be obtained in the United States and Switzerland. Regardless of what Stevia will be used for, deciding on the form used should only be considered after finding out if it is even available in the country the user resides in.