Information

Stevia rebaudiana is really sweet. The substance Stevioside is 300 times as sweet as common sugar which makes it an appreciated sweetener the world over. It is used in, for instance, sweets, soft drinks, pastries and numerous health preparations. Stevioside sweetening is used very much in Japan where Aspartam is prohibited. It is, however, prohibited in EU and USA as an additive because the documentation about it is considered insufficient. According to critics this is because of the need the powerful Aspartam industry has to protect its assets.

Stevia originates from South America originally and must be pre-cultivated and set out when the soil has warmed up. It does not like temperatures below 10 degrees. This plant grows about 50 cm tall and yields large amounts of sweet serrated leaves which are used fresh, dried, or powdered. It can winter as a potted plant and yield cuttings in spring. The germination rate decreases quickly after harvest, so recommended is to sow the seeds the season you order it.

Stevioside is a pure health substance. It doesn't raise blood sugar but rather stabilizes it. It contains no calories and creates no dependence and counteracts plaque and caries. Half a teaspoon of powdered Stevia leaves is the equivalent the sweetness of 2 dl of white sugar.

One portion contains about 10 seeds.