Background

• There are nearly 300 different species of stevia worldwide, says David Richard in an article published by Stevia.com. Of these, stevia rebaudiana, contains the highest concentration of stevioside in its leaves.
  
  

Sources

• Stevia is grown mainly in Paraguay, Brazil, Japan and China, says Richard. Growers in California and England have also demonstrated success in growing the herb, which is a member of the chrysanthemum family.
  
  

Properties

• Richard adds, "The crude stevia leaves and herbal powder (green) are reported to be 10-15 times sweeter than table sugar." Stevioside also claim to be nearly 300 times sweeter than regular sugar. Stevioside is extracted from the leaves and made into an oil or a powder.