Can Stevia be used fresh such as in green tea?

* Taste: Fresh stevia leaves have a strong, bitter, and slightly licorice-like taste. This taste is often considered unpleasant and not suitable for direct consumption.

* Extraction: The sweet component in stevia, stevioside, is concentrated through a process called extraction. This process removes the bitter compounds and creates a much sweeter and more palatable product.

* Dosage: Stevia leaves contain a relatively low concentration of stevioside compared to stevia extracts. Using fresh leaves would require a large amount to achieve a desired level of sweetness.

Here's how to use stevia for sweetening your green tea:

* Stevia extract: This is the most common form and comes in liquid, powder, or tablet form. A few drops or a small amount of powder are enough to sweeten your tea.

* Stevia leaf powder: This is a less processed option than stevia extract. It still contains some bitter compounds but offers a more natural flavor.

* Stevia tea bags: Pre-packaged stevia tea bags are readily available and offer a convenient way to add sweetness to your tea.

Remember, you can adjust the amount of stevia to your preference. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you achieve the desired level of sweetness.