Stevia: The Sweet Herb
The herb stevia is a fascinating and versatile plant that has been used for centuries, primarily for its natural sweetness and potential health benefits. While it’s not directly related to the information you provided about your series “Bonjour Never Land,” I’d be happy to provide some information about stevia for your general knowledge.
Stevia, scientifically known as Stevia rebaudiana, is a small, herbaceous plant native to South America, particularly Paraguay and Brazil. It is renowned for its intensely sweet leaves, which are used as a natural sugar substitute.
- Ancient Use: Indigenous peoples in South America have been using stevia for centuries to sweeten their foods and beverages. The Guarani people of Paraguay and Brazil were among the first to discover the plant’s sweetening properties.
- Discovery: Stevia was “discovered” by the Western world in the late 19th century when a Swiss botanist named Moises Santiago Bertoni came across the plant during his explorations in Paraguay.
- Sweetening Power: The sweetness of stevia is primarily attributed to compounds called steviol glycosides, such as stevioside and rebaudioside. These compounds are incredibly sweet, often many times sweeter than sugar, but they have zero calories.
- Global Adoption: Stevia’s popularity has grown over the years, and it’s now used as a natural sweetener worldwide. It’s available in various forms, including powdered and liquid extracts, as well as in products like stevia-sweetened beverages and snacks.
Use of Stevia:
- Sugar Replacement: Stevia is used as a sugar substitute in a wide range of products, including beverages, desserts, and condiments. It’s a popular choice for those looking to reduce their sugar intake, manage their weight, or control their blood sugar levels.
- Calorie-Free: One of the most significant advantages of stevia is that it’s virtually calorie-free, making it a suitable option for those on a calorie-restricted diet or those who want to enjoy sweet flavors without the added calories.
- Diabetic-Friendly: Stevia is often used by individuals with diabetes as it does not significantly impact blood sugar levels.
- Herbal Tea: Stevia leaves can also be used to brew herbal tea. The tea has a sweet taste and is often enjoyed as a natural and calorie-free beverage.
- Natural Sweetener: Many people prefer stevia over artificial sweeteners because it’s derived from a plant and is considered a more natural option.
Stella’s Recipe
While this information about stevia might not directly relate to your series “Bonjour Never Land,” it’s always good to have knowledge about a variety of topics. If you have any specific questions or if there’s anything else you’d like to know or discuss, please feel free to ask.
RStevia-Sweetened Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- 1/2 cup of stevia sweetener (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Steps:
- In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and water.
- Gradually add the stevia sweetener while stirring. Taste as you go and adjust the amount to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
- Add ice cubes to the pitcher to chill the lemonade.
- Stir well to ensure the sweetener is fully dissolved.
- Serve in glasses with additional ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
- Enjoy your refreshing, low-calorie stevia-sweetened lemonade!
