Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a perennial herb native to South America and belongs to the Asteraceae family. Stevia leaves contain a high concentration of sweet ingredients and are used as a natural sweetener and medicinal plant by local people. Stevia was discovered by Spanish colonists in the 16th century and named by European botanists in the 18th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, Japan began to introduce and study stevia and widely used it in food and beverages. At present, stevia has become one of the most important natural sweeteners in the world and is grown in China, India, Brazil, Thailand and other countries. 

1. What is stevia extract?

Stevia extract is a complex mixture of compounds extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. It mainly contains four diterpenoid glycosides: several glycosides (stevioside), stevioside (rebaudioside A), eucommia glycoside (rebaudioside C) and Liquiritin (dulcoside A). These glycosides have a high degree of sweetness and are its main active ingredients. In addition, it also contains some other minor components, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, volatile oils, etc. These components also have a certain impact on its stability, antioxidant properties, antibacterial properties, etc.

As a natural, low-calorie, high-intensity sweetener, it has wide application and development prospects in food, medicine, cosmetics and other fields. Especially in the food field, due to people's increasing emphasis on health and safety, as well as the prevention and control of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, it has become more and more popular as an excellent alternative to traditional sugars and artificial sweeteners. 

2.What are the advantages of stevia extract?

Stevia extract, as a natural sweetener, has wide application and development potential in the food field. Stevia extract has the following advantages:

①Low calorie: Its caloric value is about 0.2 kcal/g, which is much lower than the 4 kcal/g of sucrose. Therefore, it can effectively reduce the caloric intake of food, which is beneficial to weight control and obesity prevention.

②High stability: It has good stability under acid, alkali, high temperature, light and other conditions, and is not easy to decompose or change color, so it can be applied to various processing conditions and storage methods.

③Antioxidant: It contains some elements with antioxidant effects, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, etc., which can inhibit the oxidative deterioration of oils in food and extend the shelf life of food.

④Antibacterial properties: It contains some elements with antibacterial effects, such as volatile oils, etc., which can inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria in food and maintain food hygiene and safety.

3.What are the applications of stevia extract?

Stevia extract can be used in different ways and gets different effects depending on different types of food. Here are some common application examples:

1). Beverages:

It can be used as a sweetener in beverages, replacing or reducing the use of traditional or synthetic sweeteners such as sucrose, fructose, aspartame, etc., reducing the calories and cost of beverages, while maintaining or enhancing the taste and flavor of beverages. For example, Japan, China and other countries have produced some tea drinks, juices, carbonated drinks and other products containing it, and have been welcomed by consumers.

2). Pastries:

It can be used as a sweetener in pastries, replacing or reducing the use of traditional sweeteners such as white sugar, honey, corn syrup, etc., reducing the calories and glycemic index (GI) of pastries, while maintaining or enhancing the texture and aroma of pastries. For example, China, Brazil and other countries have produced some bread, biscuits, cakes and other products containing it, and are loved by consumers.

3). Dairy products:

It can be used as a sweetener in dairy products, replacing or reducing the use of traditional or artificial sweeteners such as lactose, maltose, and xylitol, reducing the calories and lactose content of dairy products, while maintaining or enhancing the nutrition and flavor of dairy products. For example, Japan, the United States and other countries have produced some milk, yogurt, ice cream and other products containing it, and have been favored by consumers.

4). Condiments:

It can be used as a sweetener in condiments, replacing or reducing the use of traditional or synthetic sweeteners such as white vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup, reducing the calories and sodium content of condiments, while maintaining or enhancing the color and luster as well as aroma of condiments. For example, China, India and other countries have produced some vinegar, sauce, soy sauce and other products containing it, and have been appreciated by consumers.