Sweet Stevia - Add It to Your Drinks Instead of Sugar

Sweet Stevia (lat. Stevia rebaudiana) is a plant from the Asteraceae family (lat. Asteraceae). The original home of stevia is the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America. Today, its area of occurrence has expanded considerably, and it is purposefully cultivated in many places around the world.

A huge boom in stevia cultivation was recorded after the "discovery" of its high sweetness, thanks to which it can be used as a substitute for classic sugar.

Grow your own stevia and instead of sugar, put a leaf of this plant in your favorite cup of tea or coffee. You will see that stevia will pleasantly surprise you.

Sweet Stevia

Sweet stevia, also known as sugar stevia, honey leaves, or sweet grass, is a plant that can grow to a height of approximately 50 - 100 cm. Originally it was an annual plant, but thanks to breeding, it can now be grown as a perennial. Small, lanceolate leaves of bright green color grow on the stem. The flowers, arranged in delicate flower heads, are white and form terminal umbels. Sweet stevia comes from a very widespread family; the stevia genus includes approximately 150 species of herbs and shrubs.

Stevia is Not New to Sweetening

Stevia experienced a huge boom only recently, when it was approved in the EU as a food additive. Its high sweetness, low calorie content, and suitability for diabetics immediately made it a major competitor to sugar and other sweeteners.

However, knowledge about the high sweetness of stevia leaves is much older. It was already used by the Guaraní tribes from Paraguay and Brazil to sweeten water and mate drinks. Today, the use of stevia is most widespread in China, South America, and the USA.

Grow Your Own Stevia from Seeds

You can also grow stevia from seeds thanks to our e-shop. For successful cultivation, you only need to follow a few principles based on the fact that stevia comes from subtropical and tropical regions.

Stevia seeds are usually sown during February and March. Spread the seeds evenly on the surface of a prepared seed tray. Place the sowing in a bright location with a temperature of around 20 °C. Don't forget to moisten the substrate immediately after sowing, or to continue regular watering. The seeds must never dry out completely after sowing, as this would stop germination and further plant growth. It is advisable to use a mini greenhouse or mini propagator, in which the necessary humidity and temperature are easier to maintain.

Transplant sprouted seedlings into pots with nutritious soil. Don't be discouraged by the slow growth of the plants - in the initial growth phase, this is completely normal. Stevia is not frost-resistant, so wait to place it outdoors until there is no longer a threat of ground frost.

Growing Requirements for Stevia and Harvesting

Stevia thrives in quality garden substrate with a higher humus content. When growing, be careful not to plant stevia in saline soil, as this would definitely not suit it. You can grow stevia in pots, in warm locations also in sunny beds. Stevia grows very intensively in a greenhouse, where its growth is greatest. This is mainly due to higher temperatures and sufficient air humidity.

Temperature plays a very important role in stevia's life - low temperatures lead to growth cessation, sometimes even to plant death. Temperatures below freezing will definitely destroy the plants, so if you want to preserve them through winter, don't forget to transfer them in time to winter quarters with a temperature of at least 8 °C.

In winter quarters, trim the stevia at approximately 10 cm above the substrate. The plant will gradually lose its leaves and dry out. With good care, it will sprout again in spring from new buds formed on the root crown. The condition for successful overwintering is constantly slightly moist substrate. In spring, it's advisable to transplant successfully overwintered plants into a larger pot.

The foliage and leaves are used as a sweetener. Individual leaves can be harvested gradually throughout the season. The foliage with leaves is usually harvested when the stem reaches approximately 50 cm. The foliage is cut approximately 15 cm above the ground. The leaves are sweetest during the flowering period. Harvesting is carried out approximately 2-3 times annually depending on growing conditions. The cut plant will sprout again and branch out. You can use harvested foliage and leaves fresh, dried, or frozen.

Beneficial Effects of Stevia and Its Uses

Stevia is used mainly for its sweetness. However, did you know that by adding stevia to drinks or food, you're also benefiting your health? Compared to regular sugar and other sweeteners, stevia contains minimal calories, so even diabetics can use it. Using stevia even increases insulin production, thereby helping to reduce diabetes symptoms. Stevia helps with heartburn problems and improves the digestive process. For minor wounds, stings, and eczema, stevia concentrate is applied, which has healing and soothing effects.

When experiencing increased fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, or cravings for cigarettes or alcohol, don't reach for a chocolate bar anymore - stevia will replace it. Sweet foods and teeth have never been great friends, but thanks to stevia they will be! A decoction from the leaves or chewing the leaves helps reduce bad breath and even works preventively against tooth decay and periodontitis.

Grow your own stevia or buy dried leaves of this "miraculous" sweetener directly. Sweeten your life healthily!

Written by LenkaZ