Sweet tea

1. There are more than 250 species of the stevia plant. Like apple varieties or wine grapes, each type of stevia has a different taste based on its molecular make up and the terroir of where the plant was grown. Most stevia brands harvest a variety of stevia species, blending them together through the production process along with filler ingredients. That’s one reason most stevia brands have a bitter aftertaste. Instead, shop for stevias that only harvest single stevia species and sources its finest leaves.
2. Stevia is 350 times sweeter than sugar. One grain of stevia does not equal a grain of sugar. In fact, the extract from stevia is up to 350 times sweeter than a grain of sugar. That’s why stevia brands must add filler ingredients to serve as bulking agents that level off the high level of sweetness. Look for ingredients labeled USDA organic and Non-GMO verified to ensure you are getting the highest quality stevia choice for your food and beverages.
3.  Stevia is ideal for baking, unlike most sugar alternatives. Stevia isn’t just for sweetening your coffee, tea or cereal. Unlike other sugar alternatives, stevia extracts are pH-stable with a very high melting point – similar to sugar. That means there are stevia blends ideal for baking – great news for diabetics seeking more cooking and meal preparation options, and for anyone who loves to bake but is trying to kick the sugar habit.
4. Stevia is a highly self-sustaining plant. Stevia is a member of the sunflower family – it does not require a lot of water to thrive and is very self-sustaining. It’s a small shrub – typically no more than three feet tall and can grow in climates ranging from arid to humid. It’s a very drought tolerant plant with little need for extra inputs.
5. While stevia is ideal for diabetics maintaining blood sugar levels, some studies have suggested stevia may also reduce blood pressure. Stevia is already widely known as an ideal sugar substitute for diabetics and others seeking to maintain healthy sugar levels as it does not induce glycemic response when ingested. Studies have also suggested replacing sugar with stevia may be linked to lowering blood pressure.

Being a true Southerner, I love my tea like I love everything else – as sweet as I can get it.  Same goes for coffee.  Unfortunately, sugar comes with unwanted calories and artificial sweeteners are… well.. artificial.

Who wants to put anything artificial into their bodies?

That’s why I’ve fallen head over heels in love with Stevia.  You can actually use less Stevia than sugar in tea (or coffee, hot chocolate, apple cider.. told you, I love things sweet..) and enjoy just as much sweetness.  Personally, I think it’s even better – and that, coming from Madame Sweet Teeth, is quite a statement.

Founded in 2008, Pyure Brands is a privately-held leading innovator of healthy sweeteners and one of the largest and fastest-growing independent stevia companies in America. Under the direction of Founder Benjamin Fleischer, Pyure has successfully established itself as a pioneer of sweetening solutions by introducing the first USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified stevia and erythritol to the market. The company’s commercial stevia extracts and blends provide the reduced-calorie sweetening solution for more than 300 food, beverage, and personal care products. In an effort to help further health awareness, Pyure donates a portion of its proceeds to organizations and foundations that have a focus on diabetes education as well as other social and environmental causes. For more information, please visit www.pyuresweet.com or find the brand on Facebook.