Stevia is native to South America (Paraguay). There it has been used by the indigenous people since time immemorial as a sweetener for mate. The perennial herb carries other names such as "sweet herb paraguay", "sweet herb", "the sweetest plant in the world" and "honeywort". It belongs to the genus Stevien. But only Stevia rebaudiana can be used as a sweetener.
In the course of the Spanish colonization journeys, the stevia also came to Europe in the 16th century. However, it was not scientifically investigated until the end of the 19th century by Moisés Santiago, a botanist who had emigrated from Ticino. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a sugar substitute, as its leaves are very sweet, but at the same time the sugar contains no calories.
