Stevia rebaudiana Stevia from the family Asteraceae.
"Stevia is a truly amazing herb; take the smallest piece of leaf and put it on the end of your tongue, and you will realise that the claim that it is 30 times sweeter than sugar is true. Records show that a quarter of a teaspoon of dried leaf is equivalent to 225g sugar! " Jekka McVicar
In Japan, Stevia has been used as a commercial sweetner for the past 30 years. However, Stevia is banned for sale as a food or food ingredient by European and US Food Agencies, pending further research, though it can be sold as a dietary supplement in the US.
Stevia leaf
Stevia flower
Stevia is a subtropical and tropical herb, indigenous to South and Central America, where it has been used for hundreds of years.
Invading Spaniards, in the sixteenth century, realised that the Guarani Indians of Paraguay were using Stevia - not just to sweeten their drinks, but in herbal remedies and snacks.
The Indians' local name for Stevia was 'Caa'-ehe', but it is also known as Sweet leaf, Yerba dulce, Honeyleaf and Aztec Herb
Stevia is an evergreen, frost tender perennial: this means it will not survive temperatures below +5°C, so must be brought inside as soon as temperatures begin to drop. For this reason, it is often grown as an annual in colder climates.
Propagation
Seed: Sow fresh seeds in spring into prepared module plug trays or small pots, using a standard seed compost, mixed in equal parts with perlite. Cover the seed with perlite, and place under protection at 18°C (65°F). Germination can be erratic. Once the first few seedlings emerge, remove the heat but keep the container warm and you may be rewarded with further germination over the next few months. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, pot up using a soil-based potting compost mixed in equal parts with composted fine bark.
Cuttings: This is definitely the most reliable method of propagating Stevia. Take semi-ripe cuttings from non-flowering shoots in early summer, and place into prepared module plug trays using a seed compost mixed in equal parts with propagating bark. Place in a warm environment (bottom heat is not necessary), and it should root in approximately 2 weeks. Once rooted, pot up, using a soil-based potting compost mixed in equal parts with composted fine bark.
Outside the tropics, Stevia can only be grown as an annual in the garden, but it makes an excellent container plant which can be moved inside in autumn.
Jekka was a recent guest on BBC Radio 4 'Woman's Hour', where the subject of Stevia became part of her discussion with presenter, Jenni Murray. Listen Again with BBC iPlayer.
Garden Cultivation: Outside the tropics, Stevia can only be grown as an annual in the garden. Plant in full sun, as it will not tolerate shade, and grow in a light fertile soil that does not dry out in summer. If you know that your soil is prone to drying out, add a good, deep mulch after planting - preferably leaf mould or well rotted compost.
Container Growing: Stevia grows beautifully in a container: plant in a soil based potting compost mixed in equal parts with composted fine bark. Position the container in a warm, sunny place. Water and feed regularly throughout the growing season. In autumn, in cold and cool climates, bring ithe container into a warm greenhouse, conservatory or well lit windowsill. Cut the plant back to 10cm and reduce watering to a minimum without allowing the plant to completely dry out. Next spring, re-introduce watering and pot up to the next pot size. Once all frosts have passed, the container can be placed outside in a sunny position.
Harvesting: Pick Stevia leaves to use fresh as required from spring until late summer. Pick leaves for drying in early summer.
Stevia leaves can be used fresh or dried, and have a very sweet, slightly liquorice flavour.
Uses:
Medicinal: Stevia has tremendous potential in today's society, in the treatment of obesity, high blood pressure and for those who require a natural sweetener such as diabetics. Unfortunately, due to a lack of clinical trials, Stevia is not yet recognized, although there is much scientific research being carried out worldwide.
Currently, Stevia is banned for sale as a food or food ingredient in the UK and EU. In the US, it can only be sold as a dietary supplement and not as a a sweetner. In Japan, however, Stevia has been used as a commercial sweetner for over 30 years without a single case of documented Stevia toxicity or adverse reaction.
Culinary: The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and have a very sweet, slightly liquorice flavour. The flavour and intensity of the sugar content can vary due to growing position, sun strength, watering and the age of the plant.
Test how strong the fresh leaves are by placing a minute amount on the end of your tongue. Alternatively, make a Stevia solution for everyday use (recipe below) This sweet water can be used in drinks, with fruit, water ices and other puddings.
Stevia Lemonade,from 'Jekka's Herb Cookbook':
A lovely, cold refreshing drink for the summer, in which Stevia sweetens the lemon perfectly.
Makes 825 ml.
2 tsp Stevia solution:
To make Stevia solution: take one leaf and place in a measuring jug. Add boiled, but not boiling, water and leave to stand for 10 minutes. Taste the water with a teaspoon; if it is not sweet enough for your taste or your recipe, add another leaf. Pour the water and leaves into a small pan and re-heat to just below boiling point. Let is stand, covered, for a further 10 minutes, then taste again. If it is not sweet enough, keep adding leaves one by one and heating until you achieve the flavour you require.
Stevia leaves
300 ml boiled water
Zest of 1/2 lemon
275 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
550ml cold water
3 lemon slices, plus extra to garnish
2 mint sprigs, plus extra to garnish
1 lemon verbena sprig
Ice cubes
To make Stevia Lemonade: combine all the ingredients in a large jug and stir well. Place an ice cube in each glass, pour the lemonade over and garnish each with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint.
NB: this herb plant is in huge demand - if it is showing 'out of stock' remember to click
'Add to Wishlist', so that we can email you as soon as the next batch are ready to order.
We have lots in 8cm pots which are currently growing on, and should soon be ready!
