Stevia
Last post 29-09-2009 12:19 AM by Foxnfirefly. 5 replies.
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27/09/2009 10:18 PM
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- SilverBells
- Watford
- 27 Sep 2009
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A couple of months ago a TV programme featured Judith Hahn talking about her Cotswold Garden in which she grew a herb that could be used as a sweetner in cooking. Does anyone remember its name or know where to buy a plant. Was it called Stevia?
Thanks
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27/09/2009 10:30 PM
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- miranda
- Oxfordshire
- 17 Nov 2004
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2,976
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Yes, it is Stevia rebaudiana, SilverBells. I've been wanting to get hold of some of this to try for ages, but believe it is currently banned for use in the EU, though it is approved for use in other places. I came across an organisation which is trying to legalise it, the European Stevia Associaton. I don't know if you can buy it as just a plant or not, but have never seen the plants or seeds for sale.
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27/09/2009 10:32 PM
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Yes SilverBells that's what the sweetening herb is called not sure where you can get it though-maybe do a search on 'google'
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27/09/2009 10:39 PM
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- miranda
- Oxfordshire
- 17 Nov 2004
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2,976
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Well, I was wrong, it is available. I'm sure it wasn't before! http://www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/seeds/pages/herb-s.htm
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27/09/2009 10:42 PM
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Well guys & dolls - you could always try Jekka McVicar ( council member of the RHS )  at her organic herb farm. - or any one of the other half-dozen growers listed in the RHS plant finder?
Beetling ahead....maybe.........?
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29/09/2009 12:19 AM
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Hi, everyone! I grew a Stevia plant this year and it is easy but it branches and gets big if left to its own designs. I tasted a leaf plain and it is very sweet. When I used it to sweeten apple mint tea which has a golden coloour, it turned the brew greenish which I didn't like. It also altered the flavour. It also altered the colour and flavour of regular tea. Other herb fans are crazy for this herb but I really don't like the overly sweet overkill and food discolouration.
Other herb growers say it is difficult to start from seed but easy from cuttings. Plants are hard to find here. You have to search mail order outfits and nurseries that carry herbs. I am sure you can find it at a local specialty herb farm in the UK. Good luck!
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