Stevia leaf, scientifically known as Stevia rebaudiana, is a small, green, herbaceous plant native to South America, particularly Paraguay and Brazil. It belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and has been traditionally used by indigenous peoples for centuries as a natural sweetener.

Physical Characteristics:

• Appearance: The leaves are bright green, elongated, and slightly serrated along the edges.

• Size: Leaves are typically 2–4 cm long and grow in opposite pairs along the stems.

• Texture: They have a thin, soft texture but are slightly coarse to the touch when dried.

• Taste Profile:

• Sweetness: Stevia leaves are intensely sweet—up to 30 times sweeter than regular sugar in their natural form.

• Flavor: The sweetness comes with a mild herbal or licorice-like aftertaste, especially in whole leaf or less-refined forms.

• Chemical Composition:

• Sweet Compounds: The sweetness comes from natural glycosides, mainly stevioside and rebaudioside A, which are non-caloric and do not spike blood sugar levels.

• Caloric Value: Virtually zero calories.

• Uses:

• Used as a natural sugar substitute in teas, food, and medicine.

• Often dried and ground into powder or steeped to extract the sweet compounds.

• Health Benefits:

• Non-glycemic (safe for diabetics).

• May help with weight management.

• Potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.