Get Readia for Stevia
What's 100 times sweeter than sugar, has no affect on blood sugar, no calories, is completely natural, and doesn't taste like chemicals? It's called stevia, and you're going to see a lot of it soon.
Stevia is plant in the sunflower family that is native to Central and South America. It's been used by local tribes for centuries. While other countries currently use stevia-derived sweeteners, it was only recently approved for consumption as a sweetener in the U.S.
Here are some stevia-derived products coming to a supermarket near you:
SweetLeaf Sweetener: It has been on the market for a couple years as a "dietary supplement". The company claims it's the first stevia-derived product approved by the FDA as a sweetener. Look for the dark-green packets very soon.
Zevia: Currently available in a few U.S. stores and online at http://www.zevia.com.
Truvia: A collaboration between Cargill and Coca-Cola. They plan to have packet sweeteners on the market by the end of the year. A Truvia-sweetened "diet" Coke can't be far behind.
--Spanno
Smitch on June 03, 2008 at 04:19 PM
I can just grow this at home and shave off some sugar with a hand grater, right? Kinda like how I do my aloe.
Bobbi on June 04, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I grew stevia last year, but had a problem with flavor retention when I dried and crushed it, using the same hanging technique I use for sage (the leaves are rather similar in texture). I planted stevia again this summer and will use fresh all season long, but am considering various fall preserving methods. Any suggestions?
Tangled String Theory on June 05, 2008 at 01:28 AM
Guess what. Stevia does not taste particularly good and it does not do an especially effective job of sweetening. Most people who have been writing about Stevia site statistics about its use and effectiveness, but never seem to have actually tried it. Try putting some in your morning tea some time. You wont be especially pleased with the results. It's great though if your tastebuds got shot off in the war.
Organic cane sugar is pretty great. And keeping sugar use low is even better. I add this because I don't want you to think I'm shilling for the sugar industry. I'm also not working for the Fructose industry either - that stuff is death in a can - avoid it at all costs.
Astralis on June 05, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Stevia's been available at stores in Houston for a few years already.