Discovered in the 1880s in the highlands of Paraguay by Dr. Bertoni, a local botanist, stevia has a rich history of use as a natural sweetener in a number of countries and cultures. First used by Paraguayan natives to sweeten teas and medicine, stevia later gained popularity in Japan in the 1970s due to restrictions and health concerns regarding artificial sweeteners.
Actually part of the chrysanthemum family, stevia is native to subtropical and tropical South America and Central America where it goes by many names, including sweetleaf and sugarleaf. Stevia extracts are up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar.
As people worldwide have become more health conscious, stevia has gained popularity as a zero calorie alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. South America has used stevia as a sweetener for centuries, and now Sweet Green Fields Reb-A 97% is Self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe), coordinated by New York Medical College. In addition, SGF Reb-A 97% exceeds FDA GRAS specifications. This approval means U.S. food manufactures can use SGF Reb-A 97% as a food additive. It is no longer considered a dietary supplement and U.S consumers can now benefit from this amazing stevia plant extract.
RA 97 to baking is as natural as peanut butter is to chocolate.