Stevia rebaudiana

With more natural sweetness than sugar, Stevia is grown for its sweet leaves. This tropical herb was discovered in Paraguay where it has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener for yerba mate tea. Stevia is a healthy alternative to sugar or artificial sugar substitutes. This all-natural sweetener has zero calories, zero carbohydrates and a zero glycemic index, so it's a perfect solution for people on low-carbohydrate or low-sugar diets. Simply harvest the fresh leaves and steep in water for 30 minutes. The sweet liquid can be used to sweeten any beverage or food.

Called 'sweet herb' by countless generations in South America, stevia is 30 times as sweet as sugar and has little effect on blood sugar levels. Use fresh in herbal teas or dry and process in a coffee grinder to make a powder. A general rule of thumb is 1 generous tablespoon is roughly equivalent to one cup of sugar in terms of the level of sweetness.

mounding upright perennial herb, 300 times sweeter than sugar..chew a leaf and experience the sweetness..grows to 30 inches in sunny well drained soil

Said to be 100-200 times sweeter than cane sugar, the dried leaves of this native of Brazil & Paraguay are used extensively in Japan & other countries where artificial sweeteners are banned. Usually grown as an annual, it’s been reported to over-winter & behave as a deciduous perennial in zones 8a - 11. Stevia makes a multi-branching plant with good sized, fresh green leaves & non-showy, white flowers. Pinching it back makes it much bushier. Full sun & good soil & regular watering area must. The plant has so many important uses, including treatment of diabetes, hypoglycemia, candida, high blood pressure & IT’S CALORIE FREE! Three fresh leaves are all you need to sweeten hot tea or coffee. Tons more information is available on the internet.