Twice in previous blogs we have referred to the plant Stevia rebaudiana.  It is among the sweetest plants in the world and is widely used in some countries as a substitute for sugar, honey and artificial sweeteners in both home cooking and manufactured food products, and by diabetics to reduce their dependence on medications.

Interestingly, the president of Dolca Revolucio, the charity that has spearheaded the distribution of stevia plants in Spain, commented on return from a recent visit to Japan that he had never before visited a country where one saw only slim people and no obesity - except amongst tourists.  Cakes and ice creams were not as sugary sweet as in Europe and he noted that stevia was widely used by food and drink manufacturers.

We immediately thought: ‘Why not in Europe?  Then, surprise surprise, the next day we received by email Suttons Seeds’s special offer of Stevia Seeds and plants and a special stevia mug for making daily infusions.

We hope that this is the start of a revolution in the way we cook and drink in our homes, and one that will eventually lead to a change in European food formulations.

© Clodagh and *** Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com February 2011.

Authors of  Your Garden in Spain, Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style,

Growing Healthy Fruit in Spain’ and ‘Growing Healthy Vegetable in Spain’.