Stevia rebaudiana Sweet Honey in plants

The Stevia rebaudiana Sweet Honey Organic is commonly called the sugar plant because its leaves have a strong sweetening power, much higher than sugar. This herbaceous plant native to South America can be grown in pots or in the ground in regions with mild winters. The leaves of this natural sweetener can be used as a replacement for sugar, with the advantage of providing no calories. The plug plants of Stevia rebaudiana Sweet Honey can be planted in spring.

Originally from South America, specifically from Paraguay, Stevia needs humidity (without excess) and warmth to grow. It is an herbaceous plant, with a ramified main stem and lanceolate, toothed leaves. It may produce small white flowers at the end of summer, but it is advisable to remove the flowers as soon as they appear, in order not to weaken the plant. Stevia, which will reach a height of 60 cm (24in), will find its place in the vegetable garden or among a group of herbs. Not very hardy, it can be grown in pots or in the ground in regions with very mild winters.

Stevia is cultivated for its leaves, which have a much higher sweetening power than sugar. The leaves can be consumed raw, fresh or dried, as a replacement for sugar in desserts (yogurts, fruit salads, etc.) or in coffee. The two main compounds responsible for this sweet taste are stevioside and rebaudioside A. This natural sweetener has the advantage of providing no calories.

Harvesting: The leaves are picked as needed until the first frost. They are richest in steviosides at the end of summer.

Storage: The leaves can be consumed fresh or dried. Dry them in the shade, grind them into powder, and store them in airtight jars.

Gardener's tip: To keep the plants fresh in summer and protect them from the cold in winter, we recommend mulching the soil with thin, successive layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection, which keeps the soil moist, also reduces weed growth.