Using Stevia for Canning

The question posed in the last article was, “Can we use a sugar substitute in canning?” The answer turned out to be yes. Stevia was the substitute that I had in mind. All of the recipes I found were for “store-bought” stevia. We raise stevia in the garden and use it to make simple syrup. This will probably work well, but the strength could vary. We will try it soon.

One consideration in using a sugar substitute, and specifically stevia, is that the thickening that comes from sugar will not result. A little extra pectin will be needed. The recipes found suggested using a non-sugar pectin. Another issue using sugar substitutes other than stevia is that they lose their sweetness when subjected to high heat. Stevia does not.

To make the simple syrup from stevia, just throw a handful of leaves in boiling water and boil it for a while. Put a little bit in a glass of water to test the strength. Some experimentation will be required to get the proportions right. This syrup can also be used to sweeten tea or coffee. It can be mixed with milk to sweeten cereal.

David Segrest is an International REALTOR in Charlotte, NC. His email is david@segrestrealty.com , His webpage is http://davidsegrest.com , and his international real estate blog is http://dointernationalrealestate.blogspot.com/