What are Stevia Glycosides?
Stevia leaves contain 6 stevia glycosides or sweet components where each glycoside contains a different level of sweetness. The two main glycosides are Stevioside and Rebaudioside A (RebA). Typically, Steviosides and RebA represent 5-10% and 2-4% of the dry weight of a stevia leaf respectively. There are other related compounds including Rebaudioside C (1-2%) and Dulcocide A&C, as well as minor glycosides that are found in very small quantities in the leaf. They are less sweet and also contribute to the bitterness. A typical stevia extract that combines all 6 glycosides is around 250 sweeter than sugar and has a strong bitter menthol-like aftertaste.
