How To Grow Stevia At Home

By growing stevia at home, you make sure that the product you eat is of the best quality and that no dangerous chemicals have been used in its cultivation or processing.

Stevia ( Stevia rebaudiana) is a tropical plant native to South America. The guarani tribe of Paraguay has been cultivating and using stevia for centuries, and according to current knowledge, the compounds contained in the plant help control blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. In addition to this, stevia can be used as a natural sweetener, which is a healthier alternative to sugar.

Stevia is known to be a substitute for sugar and honey and is sold in syrupy form. However, the sweet leaves of the stevia plant can also be used as such, either fresh or dried.

Stevia’s growth will slow in the fall and stop completely in the winter, and it will continue to grow again as the climate warms. Stevia is a perennial plant that can also be grown at home for 4-5 years. In spring, stevia pushes new shoots that grow under the roots. The plant then forms placards until mid-May.

Do not plant new shoots that bloom, as these will never form roots. Stevia inflorescences also do not produce seeds that germinate, i.e. the plant reproduces only through cuttings. When you plant a good quality stevia, you can grow new shoots from it constantly.

This is how you grow stevia yourself

Stevia can be used as a sweetener instead of sugar or honey.

You can grow stevia in your own home or garden, and it will remain usable for years to come. If you use a lot of stevia in cooking, it’s a good idea to save money and grow it yourself.

It is important to keep a few things in mind when growing stevia. The plant requires certain care methods and an orthodox way of collecting leaves, this way you will keep the plant alive for longer.

Materials

1 large planting pot
Last 10 cm of stevia shoot (do not use flowering shoots)
Peat moss (enough to fill the pot)
Water for irrigation

First phase

Fill the pot with peat moss (available from garden stores). Wet the moss, but do not make it soaking wet.

Second stage

Remove 2-3 leaves from the bottom of the steviaverson. Bury the shoot in the moss and use your fingers to press the perimeter of the shoot so it comes in direct contact with the moist moss.

Remember that the shoot should be planted as soon as possible after pruning.

The third stage

Place the pot in a shady area, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Water the stevia three times a day: this will ensure that the moss stays moist enough.

The fourth stage

After 28-30 days you may notice that the steviaverso starts to straighten and rise. Once the shoot has developed a leaf, you can place it in a sunnier place. This will stimulate the growth of the stevia and ensure that it continues to develop.

Once you place the plant in your garden, you can begin to remove the leaves for your use. You can water it once a day.
In summer, stevia should be watered every day, but in spring and autumn it is important to check that the substrate is not too moist.
In winter, stevia is watered only as needed. Too much water will rot its roots.

The fifth step

In late fall, the stevia is in full bloom and will no longer grow. At this point, it is time to prune the plant: leave only 10 cm from the length of the plant.

The sixth step

To dry the remaining leaves, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight: this can lead to the loss of the beneficial properties of the plant.

You can dry the leaves in small batches indoors, where the temperature is usually better controlled and consistent.

Medical use of Stevia

Stevian is believed to be a good alternative treatment for people with type 2 diabetes. Adult diabetes accounts for up to 90% of all diabetes cases and is traditionally treated with insulin. Taking Stevia controls the amount of glucose in your blood that is excessive and alleviates problems with both the digestive system and the circulatory system. Stevia should not be used as a substitute for medicines or treatments prescribed by your doctor, but can be used to control your blood sugar.

Overweight people can enjoy stevia with a view to losing weight, as stevia helps the body burn fat more easily. Stevia also has a diuretic effect that cleanses the kidneys and removes excess fluid from the body.

How is stevia enjoyed?

We recommend eating 4 soft leaves either at breakfast or before breakfast and the other four leaves during dinner. If you don’t have fresh leaves available, you can also use dried leaves to make a tea drink. Prepare the drink fresh, or prepare a larger portion that will remain drinkable for a few days.

Tea extract from stevia

2 tablespoons dried, crushed stevia leaves (20 g)
1 liter of water

Manufacturing

Boil water in a saucepan, remove from the heat and add two tablespoons of dried stevia.
Allow the drink to be extracted at least half an hour before drinking so that the leaves have time to release their caring properties into the drink.

Strain the liquid and enjoy a cup once a day.

Try growing stevia yourself and enjoy the health benefits it brings!