HERBAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS - 49. Stevia rebaudiana (Stevia)

The worldwide demand for high-potency sweeteners is expected to increase, especially with the new practice of blending different sweeteners. The sweet herb of Paraguay, Stevia rebaudiana Bert. produces, in its leaves, just such an alternative with the added advantage that stevia sweeteners are natural plant products. In addition, the sweet steviol glycosides have functional and sensory properties superior to those of many other high-potency sweeteners.