Stevia

[Grandpappy]

Does anyone have any knowledge of the plant Stevia? Is it easy to grow,scource,cultivate or process? I'm reading that it can be used as a substitute for sugar,but is it safe?
Any advice or information from users will be appreciated.
Thanks

[emeritus]

some discussion here

http://vegblogs.co.uk/rbveg11/2011/02/04/has-anyone-tried-growing-stevia-plants/

[woofgang]

I find that it "tastes" in food and drinks. To me its not a sweet taste but a chemically one.

[Rosie29]

I haven't used it but a recent food programme ---- Channel 4 I think - showed it being grown and dried for processing. It seemed absolutely safe and additive free.

[heathfield]

Lots of info on cultivation, etc, here...

http://www.stevia.com/Stevia_article/Growing_Your_Own_Stevia/8077

[woofgang]

not saying its not safe, but cocaine is also natural and additive free...........

[Old_Geezer]

I've used it in the past, not for some time now. Since it has now gone 'mainstream' I'd guess it's no more risky than other sweeteners.

[Baby_Sham]

Personally, I think it's extremely sweet, and you only need to use a teeny tiny amount of it.
I can't see how anyone would find it "chemically tasting", as it's completely natural.

You can buy Truvia in most supermarkets, which is made from stevia and not sugar.
I have absolutely no idea about growing it yourself though :-)

[woofgang]

Baby Sham i can't control what my tastebuds taste and everything in the world is made of chemicals including us!

[Georgiesmum]

There was a programme about it recently on television showing it being commercially grown. It is completely natural and not produced by chemicals.

[Grandpappy]

Thank you all. Might give it a try this spring and sow a few seeds. Will inform of results later.
Cheers

[woofgang]

I agree its not synthetic or lab created...but EVERYTHING is made up of chemicals.

[Mamyalynne]

Lots of info here...

http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/stevia-plant-zm0z13fmzkin.aspx


Let us know how you get on Grandpappy.