The Study on the Method for Maximizing Steviol Glycoside Extract from Stevia Leaves

Abstract

One of the 9 types of basic needs of Indonesian is sugar. The main resource as a sugar producer is sugar cane. However, currently with the increasing of population, the area for sugarcane plantation become limited. On the other side, Indonesia, with its wealth of natural resources, has the opportunity to use other raw materials as a source of sweetener. One of the potential sugar sources is Stevia rebaudiana. Its dry leaves contents of steviol glycosides around 5-10%. In addition, this sugar has a therapeutic function as well, since its sweetness level is quite high (200-300 times of sugarcane), contains vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. The aim of this research is to study the appropriate method that can maximize the extraction of glycoside from stevia leaves. The variables observed during the experiment were temperature generated by microwave and size of leaves. Stevioside separation process was carried out by extraction with using a microwave. Analysis of the glycoside yield was conducted using turbidity meter and colorimeter.