All About the Stevia Plant: Nature’s Sweetest Gift

Stevia is a natural sweetener that has gained immense popularity in recent years. This plant has been used for centuries for its sweet leaves and potential health benefits. If you’re considering growing stevia on your homestead or simply want to learn more about this remarkable plant, this post will cover everything you need to know.

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What is Stevia?

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a plant native to Paraguay and Brazil. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies and sunflowers. The leaves of the stevia plant contain compounds called steviol glycosides, which are responsible for its sweet taste. These glycosides can be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, making stevia a popular alternative to traditional sweeteners.

Benefits of Stevia

• Zero Calories: One of the main attractions of stevia is that it is a calorie-free sweetener, making it an excellent option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake.
• Low Glycemic Index: Stevia doesn’t raise blood sugar levels, making it a suitable choice for people with diabetes or those managing their blood sugar levels.
• Natural and Plant-Based: Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia is derived from a plant, which appeals to those seeking natural alternatives.
• Dental Health: Stevia doesn’t contribute to tooth decay and can be a tooth-friendly alternative to sugar.

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)

• Family: Asteraceae
• Climate: USDA zones 9-11
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil, pH 6.5-7.5
• Row Spacing: 18 inches apart
• Square Foot Spacing: 1 per foot
• Seed Depth: surface sown
• Germination: 7-14 days
• Companion Plants: Basil, marigold
• Foe Plants: None known
• Crop Rotation: Follow behind carrots, beats, onions/garlic or leafy greens
• Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours per day)
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, not waterlogged
• Harvesting: Just before flowering (90-120 days)
• Uses: Natural sweetener, cooking, beverages

Growing Stevia

Stevia is a relatively easy plant to grow, making it a great addition to any homestead garden. Here are some tips for cultivating stevia:

Climate and Soil:

• Climate: Stevia thrives in warm climates and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11. However, it can be grown as an annual in cooler regions.
• Soil: Stevia prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5. Good drainage is crucial as the plant doesn’t tolerate waterlogged soil.

Planting:

• Seeds vs. Cuttings: Stevia can be grown from seeds, but it’s more commonly propagated from cuttings due to the higher success rate.
• Spacing: Plant stevia 18 inches apart to allow enough room for growth.
• Sunlight: Stevia requires full sun for at least 6 hours a day.

Care and Maintenance:

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Stevia plants are drought-tolerant once established but still require regular watering.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced, organic fertilizer to support growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce the sweetness of the leaves.
• Pruning: Regularly prune the plant to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess.

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Harvesting and Using Stevia

Harvesting:

• Timing: Harvest stevia leaves just before the plant starts to flower for the sweetest flavor.
• Pruning: Regularly prune the plant to encourage bushier growth.

Processing:

• Drying: Spread the leaves in a single layer and air dry them in a well-ventilated area. Once dry, crush the leaves into a fine powder.
• Extracting: To make stevia extract, steep the crushed leaves in hot water, strain, and then simmer the liquid to reduce it to a syrupy consistency.

I use Stevia instead of sweetener. I add it to coffee or tea instead of sugar - you can even cook with it. The vanilla flavor is to die for!

— Marisol Nichols

Using Stevia:

• In Cooking and Baking: Substitute stevia for sugar in recipes, keeping in mind that it is much sweeter, so less is needed. Many recipes call for a stevia-to-sugar conversion ratio of 1 teaspoon of stevia for every cup of sugar.
• In Beverages: Add a pinch of stevia powder or a few drops of liquid stevia to tea, coffee, or smoothies for natural sweetness without the calories.

Form of Stevia	Equivalent to 1 Cup of Sugar
Fresh Whole Leaves	1 tablespoon of crushed leaves
Dried Leaves (Powder)	1 teaspoon of dried leaf powder
Stevia Extract (Liquid)	1/2 teaspoon of liquid extract
Stevia Extract (Powder)	1 teaspoon of powdered extract

Not to be used as exact equivalents. Start here and adjust to taste.

Potential Drawbacks to Switching to Stevia

While stevia is a fantastic alternative to sugar, it does have some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Taste: Some people find stevia to have a slightly bitter aftertaste.
• Allergies: Although rare, some individuals may be allergic to stevia.
• Processing: Commercially processed stevia products may contain additives and may not be as natural as homemade extracts.

FAQ’s

You probably still have some lingering questions. Below we have addressed some of the most frequently asked questions to help fill in any gaps. Reviewing these FAQ’s will give you a deeper insight into some of the key aspects covered. If you still have questions feel free to let us know in the comment section below!

Can Stevia Be Grown in a Pot Indoors for Year-Round Fresh Sweetener?

Yes, stevia can be grown in a pot indoors, making it possible to have fresh leaves year-round. Ensure the plant gets plenty of sunlight, ideally from a south-facing window, or use grow lights. Regular watering and pruning will keep your indoor stevia plant healthy and productive.

Is Stevia a Perennial?

Stevia is a tender perennial in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, meaning it can survive year-round in these warm climates. In cooler regions, stevia is typically grown as an annual but can be brought indoors to overwinter.

How Do You Harvest and Dry Stevia Leaves?

To harvest stevia, cut the stems just before the plant starts to flower. Strip the leaves and spread them in a single layer to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Once dry, the leaves can be crushed into a fine powder or used whole.

Summary

Stevia is a versatile and beneficial plant that can be a valuable addition to any homestead. Whether you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake, manage your blood sugar levels, or simply explore new gardening opportunities, stevia offers a natural solution. With its ease of cultivation and multiple uses, stevia is truly nature’s sweetest gift.

By incorporating stevia into your homestead, you can enjoy the benefits of a natural, calorie-free sweetener while contributing to a more sustainable and health-conscious lifestyle. Happy gardening and sweetening!

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Additional Resources

What part of transitioning off-grid excited you most? Let me know:icle if you found it helpful. And for more sustainable living and prepping, check out thee recommended resources.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) - PubMed: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni: A comprehensive review on its pharmacological, toxicological and therapeutic aspects - Provides a comprehensive review of the pharmacological, toxicological, and therapeutic aspects of stevia

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Growing Stevia (PDF) - Provides detailed information on how to grow stevia, including its cultivation requirements and potential issues.

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