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Stevia species are found in the wild in [[semi-arid]] [[Habitat (ecology)|habitat]]s ranging from grassland to mountain terrain. Stevia does produce [[seed]]s, but only a small percentage of them [[germinate]]. Planting [[vegetative reproduction|cloned]] stevia is a more effective method of reproduction.
Stevia species are found in the wild in [[semi-arid]] [[Habitat (ecology)|habitat]]s ranging from grassland to mountain terrain. Stevia does produce [[seed]]s, but only a small percentage of them [[germinate]]. Planting [[vegetative reproduction|cloned]] stevia is a more effective method of reproduction.
==Extracting sweetness==
Tips for Growing Stevia:
1. Plant outside after all danger of frost.
2. Place in six to eight hours of sun.
3. Mulch with compost or bark up to three inches deep and two feet in diameter. Make sure to leave an open collar about two inches wide around the small plant at first.
4. Keep plants well irrigated.
5. Harvest small amounts often or cut bush to about two inches above the ground in early summer and again in late summer/early fall just before flowering.
6. In cold areas, bring plants in and place under 14 hours of fluorescent lighting hung three inches above the plants or treat as an annual.
Tips for Using Fresh Stevia:
1. Add several leaves to any cup of hot liquid.
Approximately 3 tablespoons chopped fresh Stevia equals one cup of Sugar or 1 teaspoon processed Stevia extract powder.
2. Make a fresh whole leaf extract:
Bring water to a boil and turn off.
Pack tea ball with leaves.
Steep leaves in water for 30 minutes.
Add this liquid to foods where the green appearance would be unwelcome.
Tips for Using Dried Stevia:
1. Dry in a warm dark dry area.
2. Grind dried leaves to a fine powder with a small coffee/spice grinder.
3. Store in an airtight container out of light.
4. Approximately 1 tablespoon of dried Stevia powder equals one cup of sugar or 1 teaspoon processed Stevia extract powder.
Sweetness of leaves vary so quantities of dried Stevia powder needed may vary. There is definitely room for experimenting with Stevia in different proportions and different foods. It should not be thought of as just a substitute for sugar. Its unique flavor adds an earthiness to other spice blends as well.
===Availability===
===Availability===