Making Stevia powder from the Stevia plant is a multi-step process that involves harvesting the leaves, drying them, and then crushing or grinding them into a powder. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Harvest the leaves: Stevia leaves are typically harvested in the fall, when the plant is in full bloom. Cut off the leaves, taking care not to damage the plant.
- Dry the leaves: The leaves can be dried using a dehydrator, oven, or by air-drying. The leaves should be dried until they are crisp, but not brittle.
- Crush or grind the leaves: Once the leaves are dry, they can be crushed or ground into a powder using a mortar and pestle, a coffee grinder, or a food processor.
- Sift the powder: Use a fine mesh strainer or a sifter to remove any large pieces or debris from the powder.
- Store the powder: Stevia powder can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
Note: Stevia leaves contain a compound called Rebaudioside A which is responsible for its sweet taste, it can be extracted using different methods. The process of making Stevia powder at home is not as efficient as the commercial process, the powder will not have the same concentration of Rebaudioside A as the commercial powder, so the sweetness level might be different.