Tag: Stevia origin

Despite common assumptions, the stevia plant is not native to China, but rather to South America, specifically Paraguay and Brazil. The widespread misconception that all stevia comes from China overlooks the sweetener's deep historical roots and diversified modern supply chain, which includes production from multiple countries across the globe.

Stevia, originally used by the indigenous Guaraní peoples of Paraguay and Brazil for centuries to sweeten teas and medicines, has become a globally popular sugar alternative. Today, the sweetener is produced through a complex global supply chain that spans multiple continents, from the agricultural fields where the plants are grown to advanced processing facilities.

Indigenous South American tribes have used the stevia plant for over 1,500 years for its sweetening and medicinal properties. This long history of use provides a fascinating backdrop to understanding how long people have been using stevia, from traditional applications to its modern-day role as a globally recognized sugar substitute.