Stevia or the sugar herb is native to Brazil. The fresh or dried leaves can be used as a sugar substitute to sweeten cakes, drinks or desserts and are the only natural sweetener to have zero calories, carbohydrates and a zero glycemic index. The leaves if eaten fresh have a distinct set of flavours, the first sensation on the taste buds is the sweetness, this is followed by a pleasant aniseed like flavour which is lost totally once the herb is dried.
Stevia is best grown in a sunny or partly shaded postition where it is protected from frost. Thrives in moist, well drained soils enriched with humus. Ideal for pots, herb and kitchen gardens.
140mm | $9.90 AU | In Production | 
| Height | Frost tol. | Pollination req'd | Evergreen/Deciduous | Harvest period |
| 1-1 | No | Evergreen | Autumn |
We welcome your Tips on Sugar Herb - Stevia. Share Your Tip.
I've found that when using fresh Stevia, it works better if it is boiled. So I put it in water in the microwave and keep the leaves in my drink, since they keep leaching sweetness. | Angela Hanan - Coos Bay , OREGO 22-Jul-2008
I've just discovered the plant and tried it in the plunger with the coffee - subtle sweetness in the coffee! | Robert - Lismore, NSW 14-Mar-2009
Tea spoon of fresh Stevia boiled in 1/2 litre of water for 20 minutes, ad vitamin C or some lemon juice as prezervative... Keep in fridge, use as sweetener. | Darko - Marrickville, NSW 28-Mar-2009
Updated: 30th of June, 2008 at 12:51pm © Disclaimer/Privacy/Copyright