Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay attended the stevia promotion and workshop held at Bademler Art Village. Mayor Tugay gave a message of support for the zero-calorie stevia plant produced by Çamlı Production and Marketing Cooperative and an alternative to artificial sweeteners, and said, “We would be very happy to contribute to production, marketing and new product development studies.”
The introduction and workshop of stevia, a very powerful natural sweetener produced by Çamlı Production and Marketing Cooperative in İzmir, was held at Bademler Art Village with the participation of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay and Urla Mayor Selçuk Balkan. The production studies of stevia, which is used as a sweetener and food additive in many countries of the world, especially in Japan, were reported in İzmir. Mayor Tugay stated that the studies conducted were very valuable and that they would be happy to make the necessary contribution to the production, marketing and new product development studies of stevia as İzmir Metropolitan Municipality.
“Zero calories, 300 times sweeter”
Yaşar University Culinary Arts Department Head Prof. Dr. Seda Genç made a detailed presentation about the stevia plant. Emphasizing that sweeteners are mostly synthetic today, Genç noted that stevia has zero calories, is of natural origin and is plant-based, and said, “It has become a very good alternative to synthetic sweeteners in recent years with both its healthy structure and sweetening properties. It is 300 times sweeter than regular table sugar. It has the additional advantages of containing zero calories and not causing sudden increases in blood sugar levels. It is a sweetener recommended for diabetics. It has been reported in the literature that it is non-toxic, has a high fiber content and does not have neurological or kidney-related side effects.” Stating that stevia is produced in many cities in Turkey, Genç said that the total production area in the country is between 2-3 thousand acres.
“We work hard”
Bademler Art Village Musa Baran Children's Toys Museum Director Dr. Ayşe Baran Türker also gave information about stevia and said that they will provide support for the production of the plant as an art village. Çamlı Production and Marketing Cooperative Founding Member Food Engineer Prof. Dr. Işık Şahbaz stated that they want to establish a production facility by emphasizing the importance of hygienic production of stevia. Reminding that the cooperative was established in 2021, Şahbaz said, “We are working very hard. We planted the stevia plant for the first time in 2022 and hopefully we will progress much further.”
Dessert made with stevia
Following the speeches, Yaşar University Application Kitchen Executive Chef Selin Güloğlu prepared a dessert using recipes prepared by the university using stevia and had the participants taste it.
What is Stevia?
Stevia is a plant found abundantly in South America. The extracts found in its leaves act as a sweetener. Stevia, which is used as a natural sweetener in many countries around the world, especially in Japan, and has a high fiber content, attracts attention with its heat resistance. Stevia, which does not leave a bitter taste in the mouth but gives a sweet aroma, is one of the most used food substances in recent years. Stevia, which is frequently used by those who want to quit smoking, keeps people away from sugar consumption and leaves a long-lasting sweet aroma in the mouth. Since it is low in calories, healthier products emerge.
