Stevia

About Stevia

A natural sweetener 200-300x sweeter than sugar with zero calories. The Guarani people of Paraguay have used it for 1,500+ years, calling it ka a hee (sweet herb). Japan has used it commercially since 1971, where it accounts for 40% of the sweetener market. It does not raise blood sugar, making it suitable for diabetics. The FDA approved it as a food additive in 2008. It contains stevioside and rebaudioside, which are heat-stable. Some people detect a bitter or licorice aftertaste. It is a perennial shrrub that grows to 60 cm. Over 150 species exist. It is now grown commercially worldwide.