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Hi. Does anyone have any personal experience with using this? It's a sweetener used widely in Japan and may go by some other names of which I'm not aware. I'm thinking of ordering some. In the US, it has to be classified as a supplement and not as a food additive. Well, I'm thinking of using it in place of sugar in my coffee. I've been scared off of Splenda and the others are downright nasty tasting. Any and all comments are welcome on my part.
Edit: Well, it turns out that I'm blind and a second search of this forum turned up a discussion on Stevia. So, disregard if this bugs you.
Last edited by fjtee; 05-20-2008 at 02:37 PM..
Reason: I'm blind(ish)
Stevia is a good sweetener. I heard recently that some of the big cola companies are asking FDA to allow it to be used as a sweetener. The sugar and corn lobbies (Big Sugar and Big Corn?) have been successful in preventing its use as a sweetener in the US even though it has been used in Japan for decades without problems. As you noted, it currently has to be sold as a supplement.
It does have an aftertaste that some people don't like. But it is an herb so I don't know of anyone that has a problem with it like some of the artificial sweeteners.
You should be able to find it in a local health food store.
Stevia is a good sweetener. I heard recently that some of the big cola companies are asking FDA to allow it to be used as a sweetener. The sugar and corn lobbies (Big Sugar and Big Corn?) have been successful in preventing its use as a sweetener in the US even though it has been used in Japan for decades without problems. As you noted, it currently has to be sold as a supplement.
It does have an aftertaste that some people don't like. But it is an herb so I don't know of anyone that has a problem with it like some of the artificial sweeteners.
Wow, hadn't heard that one, but I'm not surprised. Imagine, having to ask the FDA if you can use a natural ingredient . They allow synthetic products to be put in our food, but not something natural; just doesn't make sense.
I just bought some to plant in my garden. Not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, but it will be fun to experiment.
Wow, hadn't heard that one, but I'm not surprised. Imagine, having to ask the FDA if you can use a natural ingredient . They allow synthetic products to be put in our food, but not something natural; just doesn't make sense.
I just bought some to plant in my garden. Not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, but it will be fun to experiment.
Torrie, I put in two plants a couple of months ago! Like you, I'm not sure how to use it, but it will be fun to experiment. Maybe we can compare notes.
I LOVE stevia! It only has an aftertaste if you use too much at a time, and it's hard to get accustomed to using so very, very little. Just a 1/2 a pinch, if that, is all you need. When one compares that quantity to a teaspoon of sugar, for example, seems ludicrous that it would sweeeten anything. You use so little of it that it lasts forever. I like some brands better than others, and have been using KAL for a long time.
It is said that Stevia doesn't raise your blood sugars and is better for you for that reason.
Oh, thanks all for the input. I never even considered planting it. I'll have to go find a Trader Joe's (just moved) and hopefully they'll have it. If not, thanks for letting me know about your favorite brand.
Regarding the FDA, it seems that they only have our best interests at heart about half the time. I'm sure there are people there who are truly concerned, but they're not always the decision makers. It would be nice to see it show up in sodas rather than the synthetic stuff. I don't drink soda, but so many people do. I actually quite like sugar, but I have trouble keeping weight off with the amount I dump into my 3 cups of coffee every morning.
Used Stevia for years,I buy my packets at Whole Foods and they have many different forms. I use it every day in tea ( a whole packet !!). Dont get an after taste at all (maybe cuz I use lemon?)
Torrie, I put in two plants a couple of months ago! Like you, I'm not sure how to use it, but it will be fun to experiment. Maybe we can compare notes.
I LOVE stevia! It only has an aftertaste if you use too much at a time, and it's hard to get accustomed to using so very, very little. Just a 1/2 a pinch, if that, is all you need. When one compares that quantity to a teaspoon of sugar, for example, seems ludicrous that it would sweeten anything. You use so little of it that it lasts forever. I like some brands better than others, and have been using KAL for a long time.
It is said that Stevia doesn't raise your blood sugars and is better for you for that reason.
Yes, I'm excited to see what it does. I need to look it up. I have no idea how big it gets or even if it winters over here....I'm a zone 5. I was going to use it when I make lemonade- not sure what else I can do with it?? I don't drink coffee or tea so I can't use it for that. I was thinking of trying it in a salad or maybe salad dressing. I'm open for suggestions!
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. They allow synthetic products to be put in our food, but not something natural; just doesn't make sense.
