A Sweeter Solution Stevia is a natural, herbal sweetener processed from the leaf of a plant native to Paraguay which has been used for more than 1,000 years with no ill effects. It is the sweetener of choice in Japan. Because it is a product of nature and cannot be patented, it is a threat to companies which make and market artificial sweeteners, such as Aspartame. Possibly as a result, U.S. law forbids the sale of stevia as a sweetener. You can find it in health food stores, but it is sold as a dietary supplement.
Stevia comes in several forms, each with a slightly different flavor.
White stevia extract powder and stevia extract liquid are the most popular and easy to use. Although the price may appear steep, a small bottle will last a long time. Stevia extracts are 300 to 400 times sweeter than sugar. To replace one cup of sugar in a recipe, you will generally need only one teaspoon of stevia extract powder and even less of the liquid extract. To sweeten one cup of herbal tea, try a minuscule pinch of the powder or two to four drops of the liquid.