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What is Stevia (pronounce “stěvēa”, the Portuguese and Spanish correct pronunciation) ? |
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Among the many plants of the Compositae family, the Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni is the only one that produces intensively sweet tasting substances called "steviol glycosides".
The Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial plant that can reach 4 ft tall and is native of the highlands of central southeast South America covering portions of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.
For centuries the Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni has been used by the local natives and first settlers of the area, as a traditional medicine for diabetics and also as a source of sweetener for their drinks and teas.
Stevia Production around the World
The stevia plant currently is commercially cultivated primarily in Brazil, Paraguay, Japan and China. China is by far the biggest crude and refined extract exporter , with more than 95% share, to the US market where it is repacked by local importers. At this time there is no commercially produced stevia extract of USA origin.
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