Stevia Extract
is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America.
This plant has been used for centuries by indigenous people for its sweetening properties.
Stevia extract is a popular alternative to traditional sugars like sucrose because it’s calorie-free, low-carb, and doesn’t affect blood sugar levels.
Benefits of Stevia Extract
Calorie-free, Low-carb, Natural sweetener, Stevia extract can be used in various applications, including baking, cooking, and beverages. Stevia doesn’t raise blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for people with diabetes.
Salvia Scientific classification |
|
| Chinese name | 甜叶菊 |
| English name | Sweetleaf |
| Scientific name | Stevia rebaudiana |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae, Compositae |
| Genus: | Stevia |
| Species: | S. rebaudiana |
| Binomial name | Stevia rebaudiana |
| Synonyms | |
| Stevia rebaudiana, Eupatorium rebaudianum, honey leaf, candy leaf, | |
| Paraguayan sweet grass, sweet grass, Paraguayan sweet leaf, | |
Stevia rebaudiana Description
Stevia rebaudiana is a perennial herb growing up to 2 ft. (0.61 m) tall.
The flowers are white with light purple accents and no fragrance. Plants produce fruit which is ribbed spindle-shaped. Stevia prefers sandy-like soil.
Stevia is widely grown for its leaves, from which extracts can be manufactured as sweetener products known generically as stevia and sold under various trade names.
The chemical compounds that produce its sweetness are various steviol glycosides which have 200–300 times the sweetness of sugar.
Stevia leaves contain 9.1% stevioside and 3.8% rebaudioside A.
