photo courtesy: exgrowgarden.com
Over the past decade, Stevia's popularity among gardeners and healthy-conscious people has grown considerably. Part of it's attraction are the super-sweet leaves that are used in place of cane sugar and artificial sweeteners. Up to 30 times sweeter than cane sugar and zero calories, the leaves offer an irresistible alternative for desserts and sweet dishes of all types, including baked goods, since Stevia is heat stable as well.
Stevia is very easy to grow and does well even in colder climates. It is a tender perennial, so it's best to bring this indoors during the winter months. Though it prefers full sun, this tasty herb will tolerate light shade and as long as it has well-drained soil, will grow with very little effort. Starting Stevia from seed can be tricky however. Germination is unpredictable, so it's best to grow this herb from rooted cuttings whenever possible. Plant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. In hotter climates, it's best to grow this plant in an area that gets afternoon shade.
To use Stevia, harvest fresh leaves after the plant has grown to about 8" tall. Dry the leaves out of direct sunlight in an area that gets good air circulation. Once dry, simply crush the leaves and use like regular sugar.
Just a quick note: Though Stevia is heat and shelf stable, it does not work like can sugar in all instances, and should not be used for home canning or to candy fruits.
Until next time,
Be well!
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