Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana): Natural Zero-Calorie Sweetener

Stevia: The Sweet Herb of Paraguay

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a tender perennial herb native to Paraguay and Brazil, famed for its leaves that are 200–300 times sweeter than sugar with zero calories. The sweet compounds, steviol glycosides, are extracted for commercial sweeteners, but the fresh or dried leaves can be used directly.

Botanical Profile

The plant grows 1–2 feet tall with opposite, toothed leaves and small white flowers. In its native habitat, it's a perennial; in cooler climates, it's grown as an annual or overwintered indoors. Sweetness peaks just before flowering.

Uses and Cultivation

• Natural sweetener: Fresh leaves in tea; dried leaf powder in baking (adjust for volume).
• Diabetic-friendly: Does not raise blood glucose.
• Container herb: Easy in pots; bring indoors for winter.
• Commercial crop: Major source of high-intensity sweeteners.

Grow in full sun to part shade, rich, moist, well-drained soil. Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production. Harvest leaves in morning for highest glycoside content. Frost tender; hardy in USDA zones 9–11.