Stevia is now cultivated in most parts of the world. Being a sugar
substitute and seeing the percentage of diabetes patients in the world,
this herb has gained popularity widely.
It is commercially cultivated in many parts of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay,
Central America, Israel, Thailand and India and china.
Stevia prefers moist, sandy and loamy soil with high organic matter and
tolerates a wide range of soil ph. It also prefers partial shade with
considerate summer sunshine.
Leaves of stevia are dehydrated in sunshine or heaters and if eaten fresh
give bitter taste. Dry leaves are further powdered to be used as a
sweetener.
Leaves are preferably collected in autumn.
Leaves