Stevia: Traditional Uses, History & the Sweet Herb of Paraguay  Organic dried stevia leaf, a naturally sweet herb traditionally used in small amounts to soften bitter teas and drinks.

Stevia, Stevia rebaudiana, is a tender perennial in the daisy family native to Paraguay and parts of Brazil. Guaraní communities know the plant as ka’a he’ẽ, often translated as “sweet herb,” and traditionally chewed the leaves or used them to soften the bitterness of yerba maté and other plant preparations. We use it to sweeten some of our teas.

Traditionally, the dried leaves were steeped with bitter drinks or used in small amounts in household herbal preparations. Modern stevia packets and commercial sweeteners are generally made from highly purified steviol glycosides are a white powder and are not the same product as our dried stevia leaf which is green. We use it to sweeten some of our tea blends.  4oz.  –  $9.25

Resources

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Plants of the World Online: Stevia rebaudiana. – NC State Extension. Plant Toolbox: Stevia rebaudiana. “Natural Sweetener Stevia rebaudiana: Functionalities, Health Benefits and Potential Risks. -”U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food.