Antonio Bertoni, a South American scientist, is credited with the modern discovery of Stevia in 1887, when he first observed Indians of the Guarani tribe of Paraguay use it to flavor bitter tribal beverages.  Bertoni erroneously classified Stevia as a member of the daisy family, but it was later re-assigned to the chrysanthemum family in 1905.  Twenty-five years later, two French chemists conducting research on Stevia isolated the chemical constituent responsible for Stevia's flavorful properties and named it stevioside.

 

Today, Stevia is cultivated in over a dozen countries worldwide.  It is a major export product and is widely used in countries such as China, Brazil, Northa nd South Korea, Taiwan, Israel, Paraguay and Malaysia.  Stevia has also been grown successfully in California, southern Ontario, Canada and even southern England.  Although there are several different species of Stevia, the most potent and effective seems to be Stevia rebaudiana, and this species is used in most dietary supplements on the market today.

 

A sweet secret cannot be kept forever!

 

Since 1968 NOW has been a dedicated source of high quality, affordable natural foods, vitamins and pure cosmetics.  We search worldwide for the best products at the best prices.  No compromises, no added costs, no unnecessary frills.

 

We continue to provide certified organic or natural foods, grains, flours and seeds through health food stores.  As a family owned and operated business, we offer the health-conscious consumer three generations of honesty, quality, purity and commitment.

 

Stevia packets are: