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Article: Stevia: a natural sweetener.(Country conversation & feedback)(Letter to the editor)
- Article from:
- Countryside & Small Stock Journal
- Article date:
- July 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Countryside Publications Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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COUNTRYSIDE: Stevia does produce seed, but the germination rate is very low. I have tried several times to raise it from seed, but failed each time. It can be purchased in plant form which is the best bet. To process it to use from the plant is time consuming and does not get consistent results in strength. The best choice is to purchase it in the processed form in either liquid or powder form. The powder is easier to use than the liquid for use in the kitchen. The biggest importer of stevia is China.
In 1991, the United States Food and Drug Administration labeled stevia as an "unsafe food additive," and restricted its use. After stevia was banned, several ...