The world consumption as per 2001 W.H.O. data was 1200 metric tones of refined Stevioside i.e. about 15000 metric tones of dry stevia leaves. This does not include small scale consumption in form of semi refined powder and raw dry leaves. If one takes all these uses in account then we can safely arrived at a figure of about 18000 acres under cultivation.

The Refined sugar is virtually devoid of nutritional benefits and, at best represents empty calories in the diet. At worst, it has been implicated in numerous degenerative diseases. Stevia is much sweeter than sugar and has none of sugar’s unhealthy drawbacks.

The crude Stevia leaves and herbal powder (green) are reported to be 15-25 times sweeteners than table sugar. The refined extracts of Stevia called steviosides [a white powder, 85-95% Stevioside] can be up to 200-300 times sweeter than table sugar. Our experience is that the herbal powder is very sweet while the refined extract is incredibly sweet and need to be properly used. Both products have a slight bitter aftertaste, also characteristic of licorice.

Mainly in Paraguay, Brazil, Japan and China. There are other growers scattered across the Pacific Rim. Stevia is also being cultivated in Southern Ontario and Mexico. SUN Fruits has developed after intensive research three varieties of Stevia that can grow well all through out India.

Apparently not, two tests conducted by Purdue University’s Dental Science Research Group have conclude that Stevioside is both fluoride compatible and “significantly” inhabited the development of plaque, thus Stevia may actually help to prevent cavities.

Raw herbal Stevia contains nearly one hundred identified phytonutrients and volatile oils, including trace amounts of Rutin [from the Callus] and B-Sitosterol (from the leaves). However, in the quantities typically consumed, the nutritive benefits will be negligible. The extracts of Stevia, being more refined, will contain far fewer of these phytonutrients and volatile oils.