The Stevia Alternative

Sweeten Your Tea Naturally with Stevia

Considering the potential toxicity and unknown long term consequences of using artificial sweeteners, it is good to know that there is a safe alternative – the Stevia herb or plant.

This slow release sweetener can be used by those who don't want to use sugar or artificial sweeteners, and who are sensitive to either. It is wonderful for diabetics as well.

The Indians of Paraguay have used the sweetening herb for centuries. Europeans learned of the plant when the Spanish Conquistadors of the sixteenth century sent word to Spain that the natives of South America had used it.

The sweetening power comes from a shrub native to the northern regions of South America. It is now also grown in Brazil, Uruguay, Central America, the U.S., Israel, Thailand and China.

It has very potent sweetening properties and is probably one of the safest sweeteners on the market. The herb is completely natural and doesn’t affect blood sugar levels like sugar does. And it doesn’t produce health risks and pollute our bodies like artificial sweeteners do.

Available in liquid or powdered form, you don’t need to use much since it is highly concentrated. While it may be difficult to find in grocery stores, the herb is readily available at whole food and natural food merchants.

This article was written by Corie Goodson, MPH CHES, a health educator, speaker and author of Tween Kwisine: A Road to Better Health.

Cut Stevia Leaves for Brewing Sweet Tea

Whether you enjoy hot or iced green, black, oolong, white or herbal teas, stevia is an excellent tasting, healthy alternative to using sugar or artificial sweeteners. Follow these guidelines for brewing a 16-24oz pot of sweetened tea:

1. Add 1 teaspoon of cut stevia leaves to your loose leaf tea or herbal blend prior to steeping.
2. Heat your water to the directed temperature for the tea you are preparing and immerse your loose leaf tea/stevia mix.
3. Steep as directed for the tea you are brewing.

If you would like to visit the RCM Tea Shop shop to peruse fine quality loose leaf teas and tisanes, please click here.

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