Stevia Leaf (Stevia rebaudiana)

Dried leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, the South American sweet leaf, the source of the natural calorie-free sweetener now widely used commercially. The whole-leaf format provides 30-40 times the sweetness of sugar with a subtle herbal undertone - distinct from the more isolated character of processed stevia extracts.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Stevia rebaudiana

Family

Asteraceae

Native region

Paraguay, Brazil

Sweetness

30-40× sweeter than sugar (whole leaf); processed extracts can be 200-400× sweeter

Calories

Essentially zero (the steviol glycosides are non-caloric)

Traditional use

Paraguayan Guaraní people have used Stevia as a sweetener for centuries

What is Stevia?

Stevia is a small herb native to Paraguay and Brazil whose leaves contain steviol glycosides - naturally sweet compounds 30-40 times sweeter than sugar with no caloric content. The traditional use among the Guaraní people of Paraguay was to sweeten yerba mate tea. Modern commercial stevia (the processed white powder sweetener) is a purified extract of specific steviol glycosides, while whole-leaf stevia retains the full leaf compound profile with subtle herbal undertones.

Whole Leaf vs Processed Extract

Whole-leaf stevia is the dried leaf with its full compound profile. Commercial processed stevia is a purified extract isolating specific steviol glycosides (Reb A is the most common). Both are non-caloric and intensely sweet, but they taste different: whole leaf has subtle herbal undertones; processed extract is cleaner but can have a slight licorice-like aftertaste.

How to Use Stevia Leaf

Sweetening tea: a small pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of leaves added to a teapot sweetens substantially. Brewed tea: steep 1/2 teaspoon in 8 oz hot water (very sweet). Cold drinks: brew strong stevia tea, refrigerate, use as natural sweetener for lemonade or other drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How sweet is whole-leaf stevia?
About 30-40 times sweeter than sugar; processed extracts can be 200-400× sweeter.

Does stevia have calories?
Essentially none; the steviol glycosides are non-caloric.

What's the difference between leaf and processed stevia?
Leaf retains the full compound profile with subtle herbal undertones; processed extracts isolate specific steviol glycosides for cleaner sweetness.

Does stevia affect blood sugar?
Steviol glycosides do not affect blood sugar; widely used by individuals managing diabetes.

Why did the Guaraní use stevia?
Traditional use was to sweeten yerba mate tea.

Does stevia have an aftertaste?
Whole-leaf stevia has subtle herbal undertones; some users perceive processed stevia as having a slight licorice-like aftertaste.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.