I bought the liquid extract. I have learned that I don't quite care for it in my coffee. Would like to know some specific uses for the stuff, and specific amounts, too.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2002

Answers

I didn't have any luck using it either, Shannon, perhaps someone else can give us some more enlightening clues ti it's uses ;-)!!!

It seems to have a strange taste, but mayber that's because I expect it to taste like honey, which is what I use instead of sugar. It is probably like getting used to the taste of soy milk, you are very disappointed if you expect it to taste like milk! Stevia must be an acquired taste also!

-- Anonymous, September 14, 2002

Hi Shannon,

I don't care much for the aftertaste of the extract either; I found that the powedered stuff was more appealing in coffee than the liquid. The liquid I use sometimes for baking, although I dont do much baking anymore cuz my partner is gluten intolerant. Apparently there is white (clear?) extract as well, but I've only used the brown.

Here's a quote,"Since Stevia is 10 to 15 times sweeter than sugar, this is a fair, if approximate, replacement factor. Since the crude herb may vary in strength, some experimentation may be necessary. The high stevioside extracts are between 200-300 times sweeter than sugar and should be used sparingly. Unfortunately, FDA labelling guidelines may prevent manufacturers from providing a specific replacement factor. "

And an interesting page on stevia (apparently there are huge differences in quality, and thereby taste, of different brands, mostly thanks to our wonderful FDA):

stevia

-- Anonymous, September 14, 2002

Hi Shannon, I use the fresh leaves in coffee and tea and dried leaves in my cheerios. I think the fresh leaves are the best. When I make sweet tea with lemon grass-no one knows the difference. Daryll in NW FLA

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2002

Does anyone grow it in pots and overwinter it?

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2002

Hi Joy, I grow it year round-in pots in the wintertime. Just take cuttings when it starts to flower,stick them in potting soil and keep them moist-takes a couple of weeks to root. Daryll

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2002