tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25599756880623776502024-03-18T20:01:33.512-07:00Growing and Using SteviaExcerpts from Growing and Using Stevia book. Includes recipes for green stevia.Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-67637313047012300522008-08-07T13:11:00.000-07:002008-08-07T13:38:59.141-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVjn-m_nt6_nGkJJ7sbvqyancawfBfLOxM2DHoG4-WXKkHDycK8rHxe6YqLGpuebGJ60naYn2gi9JNtIL1K1YhelRFtV2GuB3mJSMkefZvPjBe-CPd4sdBAnt-DYnLp4X-1TOfOMnW6A/s1600-h/G&US_frontcovjpg1000pixwide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231876477684292402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVjn-m_nt6_nGkJJ7sbvqyancawfBfLOxM2DHoG4-WXKkHDycK8rHxe6YqLGpuebGJ60naYn2gi9JNtIL1K1YhelRFtV2GuB3mJSMkefZvPjBe-CPd4sdBAnt-DYnLp4X-1TOfOMnW6A/s320/G&US_frontcovjpg1000pixwide.jpg" border="0" /></a>Welcome to a sneak preview of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</span></em>, your complete guide to growing, harvesting, processing, and using stevia at home. Order your copy through online vendors such as:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Prairie Oak Publishing</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">Amazon.com</a><br />Many of the companies listed in <a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/stevia-plant-seed-sources-resources.html">"Stevia Sources"</a><br /><br />or ask your local bookstore or plant nursery to order it for you.<br />###Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-56658315988468034642008-08-07T13:05:00.000-07:002008-08-07T13:39:31.130-07:00News Release for Growing and Using SteviaFor Immediate Release<br />Contact: Jeffrey Goettemoeller, 660-528-0768<br />prairieoakpub@gmail.com<br /><br />“...one of our favorites. It’s simple and all in one. You get the facts, recipes, and how to grow it. The price is economical and we are happy to offer it along with live plants and other stevia products.”<br />—Marshall & Judy Ayer; Ayer Natural Market & Greenhouse; Bluford, IL<br /><br /><strong>Grow the Sweet Herb at Home!</strong><br /><br />August 2008 — Stevia rebaudiana is a natural, low glycemic, low calorie alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. Grow this amazing sweet leaf in your own garden, and then use your homegrown stevia in recipes!<br /><br />Growing and Using Stevia is the complete home stevia guide from garden to table, with chapters about propagating, growing, harvesting, and processing stevia, indoors and out. This book also tells how to use homegrown Green Stevia Powder or Stevia Leaf Water Extract in 35 recipes developed in the Lucke and Goettemoeller kitchens. This step-by-step how-to manual is illustrated with 33 grayscale photos.<br /><br />Learn how to:<br />Start stevia from seeds, cuttings, or transplants.<br />Grow stevia in your garden or in containers.<br />Harvest leaves and make your own green powder or liquid stevia extract.<br />Use homegrown green stevia in pies, frozen desserts, herb tea, smoothies, and more!<br /><br />Authors Jeffrey Goettemoeller and Karen Lucke are siblings who grew up gardening and enjoying wholesome home cooking. Karen is now a nutritionist and reflexologist. Jeffrey is the author of Stevia Sweet Recipes: Sugarfree—Naturally!, with over 300,000 copies in print. He also majored in horticulture at Northwest Missouri State University and completed a published research study on the production of Stevia rebaudiana seeds.<br /><br />Growing And Using Stevia is available from www.prairieoakpublishing.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, or contact Prairie Oak Publishing: prairieoakpub@gmail.com.<br /><br />###<br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</span></em><br />by Jeffrey Goettemoeller and Karen Lucke. 2008, 6 x 9, 88 pages, 33 illustrations, perfect binding. ISBN 978-0-9786293-3-5. LCCN 2008925032. $10.00, retail.Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-81581931697954447272008-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:002008-08-07T14:19:22.446-07:00Table of ContentsFrom <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/front-matter.html">Front Matter</a><br /><a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/stevia-sweet-leaf-of-south-america.html">Introdution to Stevia</a><br /><a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/1-about-stevia-plant.html">1. About the Stevia Plant </a><br /><a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/2-outdoor-stevia-culture-and-soil.html">2. Outdoor Soil and Culture </a><br /><a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/stevia-houseplants.html">3. Houseplants </a><br /><a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/4-stevia-propagation-by-cuttings.html">4. Propagation by Cuttings </a><br /><a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/5-stevia-propagation-from-seed.html">5. Propagation from Seed </a><br /><a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/6-harvesting-stevia.html">6. Harvest and Storage </a><br /><a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/7-processing-stevia-leaves.html">7. Processing Stevia Leaves </a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/8-stevia-in-kitchen.html">8. Stevia in the Kitchen </a><br /><a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/9-green-stevia-recipes.html">9. Recipes </a><br /><a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/stevia-plant-seed-sources-resources.html">Stevia Sources and Resources </a><br /><a href="http://growingstevia.blogspot.com/2008/08/growing-stevia-glossarry.html">Glossary</a><br />General Index<br />Recipe Index<br />###Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-1599113049806183992008-08-06T19:33:00.000-07:002008-08-06T19:45:39.962-07:00Publication Information for Growing and Using Stevia<strong>Authors:</strong> Jeffrey Goettemoeller & Karen Lucke<br /><strong>Publisher:</strong> Prairie Oak Publishing<br /><strong>ISBN:</strong> 978-0-9786293-3-5<br /><strong>LCCN:</strong> 2008925032<br /><strong>Pages:</strong> 88<br /><strong>Figures:</strong> 31 photos<br /><strong>Binding:</strong> perfect bound paperback<br /><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 6 by 9 inches<br /><strong>Retail Price:</strong> $10.00<br /><strong>Publication Date:</strong> May 2008<br /><strong>Retail Availability:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629302/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">Amazon.com</a>, <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=8&=SID">Prairie Oak Publishing</a>, barnesandnoble.com, or ask your local book store to order it for you. Also available from many of the business listed in sources.<br /><strong>Wholesale Availability:</strong> <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Wholesale_Pricing">Prairie Oak Publishing</a>, Ingram Book Co., YBP. Email <a href="mailto:prairieoakpub@gmail.com">prairieoakpub@gmail.com</a> to inquire about purchasing from the publisher for resale.<br />###Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-84774557082819320362008-08-06T19:13:00.000-07:002008-08-08T15:43:03.086-07:00Stevia, The Sweet Leaf of South America<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-wyzsZ3wqHuimVca4x4vj4Tyq7egg53v-esl-12amMOkxyd4CtHqN3xc6JoEocPbHz0ztp7pgluzLJYpufE0vkSqq32mYtxkXhWS_l4TN-_waiEHkbTiPkHfyqm5lzq_KyDPxfElNKQ/s1600-h/flat+sprig+cart+08+jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232280442235772082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-wyzsZ3wqHuimVca4x4vj4Tyq7egg53v-esl-12amMOkxyd4CtHqN3xc6JoEocPbHz0ztp7pgluzLJYpufE0vkSqq32mYtxkXhWS_l4TN-_waiEHkbTiPkHfyqm5lzq_KyDPxfElNKQ/s320/flat+sprig+cart+08+jpg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Following is the Introduction from <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</a>.<br /><br />The leaves of Stevia rebaudiana are much sweeter than common sugar. No wonder it’s sometimes called “sweet leaf” in Paraguay and Brazil where it originated. Stevia leaves, though, are low-glycemic, low-calorie,[1] and do not encourage dental cavities.[2] All this makes stevia a great natural alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners.<br /><br />Stevia does not taste exactly like sugar. It has a unique flavor; much like honey or maple syrup have their own flavors—especially in the case of whole green stevia. Most people find the taste pleasant when the proper amount is used to make tea or combined with compatible ingredients.<br /><br />The Problem with Refined Sugar<br /><br />Why avoid sugar? It’s OK in moderation, but refined sugar adds lots of calories to the diet without contributing significant amounts of nutrients. The average American diet includes so many of these empty calories, there’s little room for needed nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition and obesity. A 2005 Penn State study found the average U.S. preschooler gets 14–17 teaspoons of added sugar per day![3] Twelve percent of the 4 and 5 year-olds surveyed got more than 25% of their calories from added sugar. These children also had the lowest consumption of most nutrients. They didn’t get enough grains, vegetables, fruits, and other nutrient-rich foods. Another issue with refined sugar, white flour, and other foods with a high glycemic index is that they enter the blood stream quickly, leading to rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Finally, too much sugar can encourage tooth decay and more time at the dentist’s office.<br /><br />What About Artificial Sweeteners?<br /><br />Artificial sweeteners have drawbacks as well. Aspartame, for instance, should not be used in cooking. When heated, it breaks down into its constituent parts. Additionally, aspartame has been a major cause of health related complaints to the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).[4] Stevia, on the other hand, has not prompted reports of health problems despite being used in large quantities since the 1970’s in countries such as Japan.[5]<br /><br />Order your copy of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</span></em> through one of these links:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">directly from Prairie Oak Publishing</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">from Amazon.com.</a><br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br /><strong>Notes<br /></strong><br />[1] A 2004 study confirmed stevia leaf is lower in calories than aspartame, much sweeter than sucrose, and has a lower glycemic index as compared to sucrose: S.M. Savita and others, 2004 “Stevia rebaudiana—A Functional Component for Food Industry,” Journal of Human Ecology 15 (4): 261-264.<br />[2] A University Of Illinois College Of Dentistry study found that neither Stevioside nor Rebaudioside A (the main sweet glycosides in stevia) was cariogenic (promoting of dental cavities) under the conditions of the study. S. A. Das and others. 1992. "Evaluation of the Cariogenic Potential of the Intense Natural Sweeteners Stevioside and Rebaudioside A". Caries Research. 26 (5): 363.<br />[3] S. Kranz, H. Smiciklas-Wright, A. M. Siega-Riz, and D. Mitchell. 2005. "Adverse Effect of High Added Sugar Consumption on Dietary Intake in American Preschoolers," Journal of Pediatrics 146 (1): 105-111.<br />[4] cf. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 1984. "Evaluation of consumer complaints related to aspartame use". MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 33 (43): 605-7.<br />[5] cf. Daniel Mowery, Ph.D., Life with Stevia: How Sweet it is! 1992. Available online: <a href="http://healthfree.com/stevlife.html">http://healthfree.com/stevlife.html</a><br /><br />###</div>Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-82370883742511256062008-08-06T18:33:00.000-07:002008-08-07T15:55:31.250-07:00Front MatterThe following is from <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Contents<br /></strong><br />Acknowledgements<br />List of Figures<br />Introduction<br /><br />1. About the Stevia Plant<br /><br />Plant Description<br />Day Length<br />Stevia in the Wild<br /><br />2. Outdoor Soil and Culture<br /><br />Compost<br />Fertilization<br />Raised Beds<br />Transplanting<br />Plant Care<br /><br />3. Houseplants<br /><br />Overwintering Outdoor Plants<br />Watering Houseplants<br />Potting up Houseplants<br />Fertilizing Houseplants<br />Lighting for Houseplants<br />Houseplants in the Spring<br /><br />4. Propagation by Cuttings<br /><br />Making Cuttings<br />Caring for Cuttings<br />Outdoor Propagation from Cuttings<br /><br />5. Propagation from Seed<br /><br />Seed Storage<br />Shopping List for Seed Starting<br />Directions for Seed Starting<br /><br />6. Harvest and Storage<br /><br />Drying Leaves<br />Storing Dried Leaves<br /><br />7. Processing Stevia Leaves<br /><br />Stevia Leaf Water Extract<br />Green Stevia Powder<br /><br />8. Stevia in the Kitchen<br /><br />Green Stevia Powder<br />Whole Dried Leaves<br />Liquid Stevia Extract<br />Stevia Extract Powder<br /><br />9. Recipes<br /><br />Simple Stevia Tea<br />Hot Tea, Green<br />Blueberry Grape Syrup<br />Puffy Oven Pancakes<br />Spiced Oat, Nut, and Fruit Granola<br />Gluten-Free Granola<br />Breakfast Oatmeal<br />Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal<br />Breakfast Sausage<br />Vanilla Nut ‘Ice Cream’<br />Orange Stevia Soda<br />Chocolate Milk Shake<br />Peach Smoothie<br />Strawberry Soup<br />Strawberry Smoothie<br />Chocolate Chip Cookies<br />Lime Pie<br />Rhubarb Strawberry Pie<br />Blueberry Pie<br />Carob Silk Pie<br />Coconut Whipped Cream<br />Lemon Chiffon Topping<br />Baked Custard<br />Pumpkin Custard<br />Grape Kiwi Salad<br />Pineapple Berry Gelatin<br />Sweet ‘n Spicy Meatballs<br />Savory Spaghetti Sauce<br />Special Garlic Toast<br />Herb Dumplings for Soup or Stew<br />Salt-Free Herbal Seasoning<br />Creamy Herb Salad Dressing<br />Sunflower Oat Rolls<br />Pumpkin Muffins<br />Rice Tomato Soup<br /><br />Appendix: Stevia Sources and Resources<br />General Index<br />Recipe Index<br /><br /><br /><strong>Figures (photos in the book)</strong><br /><br />0-1. Branched Stevia sprig<br />0-2. Stevia plant sprig<br />0-3. Stevia Leaf<br />0-4. Stevia blossoms<br />2-1. Raised growing beds<br />2-2. Young plant ready to transplant<br />2-3. Raised beds with Stevia plants<br />2-4. Raised bed with shade cover<br />2-5. Mulched plants with drip hose<br />2-6. Pruned stevia plant<br />2-7. Horizontal stem with vertical side branches<br />2-8. Mature Stevia plant<br />3-1. Large potted plant<br />3-2. Newly dug plants<br />3-3. Young houseplant<br />3-4. Overwintering plants indoors<br />3-5. Potted plant in the spring<br />4-1. Stem cutting<br />4-2. Newly planted cuttings<br />4-3. Rooted cuttings<br />5-1. Stevia seeds with penny<br />5-2. Recycled clamshell fl at<br />5-3. Newly planted cell packs<br />5-4. Young seedlings<br />5-5. Cell packs under fl uorescent light<br />5-6. Young Stevia plant from seed<br />5-7. Stevia seedlings in cell packs<br />6-1. Sprig with blossom buds<br />6-2. Dried leaves on stems<br />6-3. Drying Stevia leaves on a rack<br />8-1. Dried Stevia leaves<br /><br />(continued below)<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br /><strong>Acknowledgements<br /></strong><br />The authors would like thank their mother, Bertha Goettemoeller. She generously assisted in developing many of the recipes in this book. Thanks also to other family members who helped in many ways, especially as taste testers!<br /><br />The late Dr. Alejandro Ching deserves a special expression of gratitude. As a professor of plant science at Northwest Missouri State University, he mentored Jeffrey, introducing him to stevia and other fascinating plants. He was always energetic and full of enthusiasm, especially about his faith and about plants that could help farmers and consumers. In 1998, Dr. Ching gave Jeffrey the chance to conduct an undergraduate research project, Seed germination in Stevia rebaudiana.<br /><br /><strong>Disclaimer</strong><br /><br /><em>Growing and Using Stevia</em> is written for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prescribe, or prevent any medical condition or replace the advice of a licensed health practitioner. <em>Growing and Using Stevia</em> is not intended to provide all information on the subject matter covered. While every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this book, there may be mistakes in content and typography. The authors and publisher assume no responsibility or liability with respect to any alleged or real damage caused, directly or indirectly, by information contained in this book. Inclusion of company names, contact information, web sites, product names, and other resources do not represent endorsements by the authors or publisher.<br /><br />###Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-23092694850106400542008-08-06T17:23:00.000-07:002008-08-08T15:48:35.836-07:001: About the Stevia Plant<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFozB4pmBwzosetQUGo8AUxX4ZQa6UK9tR9FS149Mgee6OcMAStgp5K6RwAp_TSsl-RLSqFwe5Ylvg6ZhB5pZJV9x0S-kK3PbDGDkZNpQhJS1Vn0ak3ZCJeA3XfA8Ic8AzgFb6FQboPSw/s1600-h/square+pot+cart+jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232282475437736786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFozB4pmBwzosetQUGo8AUxX4ZQa6UK9tR9FS149Mgee6OcMAStgp5K6RwAp_TSsl-RLSqFwe5Ylvg6ZhB5pZJV9x0S-kK3PbDGDkZNpQhJS1Vn0ak3ZCJeA3XfA8Ic8AzgFb6FQboPSw/s320/square+pot+cart+jpg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Following is an excerpt from <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Stevia Plant Description</strong><br /><br />Stevia rebaudiana is a fascinating plant, native to higher altitudes of Paraguay and Brazil in South America. Stevia is the genus, meaning a broad classification of plants. Rebaudiana is the species name. When we say “Stevia,” we are referring to this particular species. Only this species, out of the many found in the Americas, contains the high concentration of sweet glycosides making this “sweet leaf” such a useful and amazing herb.<br /><br />There seems to be something about the Stevia’s glycosides that, despite their appeal to our taste buds, makes many insects loathe to dine on the leaves. Perhaps Stevia rebaudiana developed this high concentration of glycosides as an adaptation to protect itself from insect attack.<br /><br />Stevia is not a particularly showy plant. Its sweet taste is its most notable feature. It is a non-woody herb, with somewhat stiff and brittle stems. Leaves are small and narrow, notched on the end. Leaves are sweeter than stems. Plants started from seed generally feature larger leaves than plants started from cuttings. Plants usually reach a height of around 24–30 inches (61-76 cm) under cultivation. Older plants can send up new shoots from underground. Stevia blossoms are white and tiny, but so numerous that plants look like greenish-white clouds when in bloom. It is a tender perennial herb, meaning it survives winters and keeps growing, but only where winters are mild, such as subtropical regions like Florida, the gulf coast, and coastal California. Stevia roots will generally not survive under about 25° F. (−4° Celsius).<br /><br /><strong>Stevia and Day Length</strong><br /><br />Fortunately, Stevia may be grown as an annual— planted every year—where cold winters prevent perennial production. Even when grown as perennials, plants should be replaced every few years since they tend to weaken with time. There are advantages to growing Stevia at higher latitudes, closer to the poles. It has to do with the longer summer day lengths—more hours of sunlight.<br /><br />(continued below)<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />Stevia is a “short day” plant which means it blooms as days grow shorter in late summer or fall. In northern Missouri (around 40° north latitude), most Stevia plants don’t bloom until late September or early October. This is when days are finally short enough to trigger blossoming. It means seeds will not ripen outdoors before a killing freeze. But it also means plants can grow all summer with long daylight conditions. Long days have the opposite effect that short days do. They encourage lots of leaf growth rather than blossoms, resulting in higher leaf yields and a higher concentration of sweet glycosides in those leaves. More temperate regions, then, are great for leaf production, but subtropical regions allow for a longer growing season, perennial culture, and outdoor seed production.<br /><br />See Chapter 1 of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia</span></em> for this additional topic:<br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Stevia in The Wild</li></ul><br />Order your copy of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</span></em> through one of these links:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">directly from Prairie Oak Publishing</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">from Amazon.com.</a><br /><br />###</div>Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-17347047455289995612008-08-06T16:53:00.000-07:002008-08-08T15:53:56.645-07:002: Outdoor Stevia Culture and Soil<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3En65s6BkjMA3ypHchyphenhyphenhWeleubY96878vCDXq9pjxKZmawy_tk1HicuJp9IzVb4F1EPnacVwB7tkv4lMysfEMYL0tX1sy_nRifYN5hHHwWXSA1PmfVvPYfVy8sYkZG2swttrD97WiWtA/s1600-h/beds+blooming.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232283707344315202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3En65s6BkjMA3ypHchyphenhyphenhWeleubY96878vCDXq9pjxKZmawy_tk1HicuJp9IzVb4F1EPnacVwB7tkv4lMysfEMYL0tX1sy_nRifYN5hHHwWXSA1PmfVvPYfVy8sYkZG2swttrD97WiWtA/s320/beds+blooming.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Following is an excerpt from <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</a>.<br /><br /><br />Stevia will grow on most garden soils, but prefers sandy loam or loam, high in organic matter. Stevia generally wants to be treated like other herb or vegetable crops, but is a little more sensitive to drying out on one hand and water-logging on the other. Stevia tolerates a wide range of soil pH. Its native soils are on the acid side.<br /><br />Keys to growing Stevia include the following:<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>compost/organic matter</li><br /><li>raised beds for heavy soil</li><br /><li>consistent soil moisture</li></ul><br /><strong>Garden Soil</strong><br /><br />A good way to improve heavy, high clay soil or light, sandy soil is to dig or till in good compost . Various composts and composted manures are available for purchase or you can make your own. In most cases, good compost will be the only fertilizer needed.<br /><br />If your soil forms hard clods when it dries after a rain and standing water is slow to drain, Stevia plants probably won’t be happy there. Raised growing beds can help the situation. Raised beds are great for improving drainage in heavy soils and will help prevent soil compaction.<br /><br />See Chapter 2 of <em><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">Growing and Using Stevia </a></em>for these additional topics:<br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Making Compost</li><br /><li>Building Raised Growing Beds</li><br /><li>Stevia Fertilization</li><br /><li>Transplanting Stevia Plants to the Garden</li><br /><li>Garden Location</li><br /><li>Timing for Transplanting Stevia in Cold Winter Areas</li><br /><li>Timing for Transplanting Stevia in Frost-Free Areas or Greenhouses</li><br /><li>Timing for Transplanting Stevia to Grow Under Artificial Lighting</li><br /><li>Timing for Transplanting Stevia Near the Equator</li><br /><li>Stevia Plant Care</li><br /><li>Watering Stevia in the Outdoor Garden</li><br /><li>Prunung Stevia in the Outdoor Garden</li><br /><li>Perennial Stevia Production Outdoors (where climate allows)</li></ul><br />Order your copy of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</span></em> through one of these links:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">directly from Prairie Oak Publishing</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">from Amazon.com.</a><br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />###</div>Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-50071487874703326062008-08-06T15:52:00.000-07:002008-08-08T15:59:41.742-07:003: Stevia Houseplants<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OiS37Rllr-Hvsv76Bs_iB32HmbitLh_vkwl8abJy9-Csx7vF0FJLgddh_Omzx_VXlObfjvsKX9lE_U8ZRi8a27zcO1AxriBb7MCCTsaMHDfkehvP5oZNw_XVkQehcNHQMGa0KJQgpD0/s1600-h/white+pot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232284737889762466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OiS37Rllr-Hvsv76Bs_iB32HmbitLh_vkwl8abJy9-Csx7vF0FJLgddh_Omzx_VXlObfjvsKX9lE_U8ZRi8a27zcO1AxriBb7MCCTsaMHDfkehvP5oZNw_XVkQehcNHQMGa0KJQgpD0/s320/white+pot.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Following is an excerpt from <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</a>.<br /><br />Stevia can be a challenging houseplant during the short days of winter because it wants to go to seed with short day lengths. Artificial lighting helps tremendously, however.<br /><br />Plants can be held over from one season to the next and even produce leaves for use during the winter. Overwintered plants can also be a source for taking cuttings in late winter or early spring.<br /><br />With a large pot like the one pictured in the photo (10 inch diameter), a stevia plant can be kept permanently potted for a few years, moved outside on the deck or patio when the weather allows.<br /><br />See Chapter 3 of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia</span></em> for these additional topics:<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Overwintering Outdoor Stevia Plants</li><br /><li>Watering Stevia Houseplants</li><br /><li>Potting up Stevia Plants to Bigger Pots</li><br /><li>Fertilizing Stevia Houseplants</li><br /><li>Potting Soil </li><br /><li>Lighting for Stevia Houseplants</li><br /><li>Stevia Houseplants in the Spring</li></ul><p><br />Order your copy of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</span></em> through one of these links:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">directly from Prairie Oak Publishing</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">from Amazon.com.</a><br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />### </p></div>Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-77187244032100362872008-08-06T15:22:00.000-07:002008-08-06T15:48:59.065-07:004: Stevia Propagation by CuttingsFollowing is an excerpt from <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</a>.<br /><br /><p>If you are a more advanced gardener, you might want to try your hand at propagating your own Stevia plants from cuttings. Here’s what you’ll need:</p><p> </p><p>· A mother plant, potted or in the garden, from which to take cuttings<br />· Fluorescent shop light (if indoors)<br />· Coarse horticultural vermiculite or other coarse medium<br />· Small pots or cell packs with bottom holes (if indoors)<br />· Solid dish or tray for bottom watering (if indoors)<br />· Container with clear cover for humidity (optional)<br />· Drip hose (if outdoors)<br />· Sharp knife or razor</p><p> </p><p>Stems root easily in late winter or spring when two key conditions are met. First, at least 14 hours of fluorescent or natural light per day seems to encourage quick rooting. Secondly, the rooting medium should be coarse horticultural vermiculite, perlite, or another coarse potting material. Use pots or cell packs with holes in the bottom and water from below as needed to maintain a constantly moist medium. Periodic misting or a clear covering may be helpful when the air is especially dry. The clear plastic “clamshell” boxes that hold lettuce or prepared pineapple from the grocery store work well for a small number of plants (see fig. ). They come complete with clear plastic lids, forming a “mini-greenhouse." Leave lid ajar to allow some air flow. Remove cover when plants begin to grow.<br /><br />The mother plant from which cuttings are taken may be one that was kept over winter, or an outside garden plant. Cuttings often root simply by inserting them into the ground near a drip hose where they will have constantly moist soil. This only works in the spring or summer when days are long. </p><p><br />(continued below)<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />Use a sharp knife or razor to make a clean, slanting cut. One long shoot can be sliced into several smaller cuttings. Each cutting should be 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) in length. Remove the larger leaves. Gently insert cuttings into the vermiculite with the end that was closer to the base of the plant pointed down into the vermiculite or soil. The end that was further from the base should be pointed up. At least two leaf buds should remain above ground (leaf buds are at the axis where older leaves attach to the stem). Lower leaf buds, with the older leaf cut off, may be buried.<br /><br />After 2–4 weeks, cuttings should develop several roots, possibly poking out from the drainage holes. Throw out any cuttings that wither and die or fail to produce roots. Transplant successful cuttings to a larger pot with regular potting soil and keep as potted plants or allow to grow another 2–4 weeks before transplanting outdoors.</p><p></p><p>See Chapter 4 of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia</span></em> for these additional topics:</p><ul><li>Caring for Stevia Cuttings</li><li>Outdoor Propagation from Cuttings</li></ul><p>Order your copy of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</span></em> through one of these links:</p><p><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">directly from Prairie Oak Publishing</a></p><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">from Amazon.com.</a></p><p>###</p>Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-51157343402215616792008-08-06T14:50:00.000-07:002008-08-08T16:27:21.897-07:005: Stevia Propagation from Seed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VAebxC8H1LJwu4R3RC9a5Y01U0csdsad3TPwh-3qwlQLOuEFAYMpqF42TCVXaaBu46kZHq3vnqipwFq2eBOqEkb0d70EfJ90SPBu0_dNviPoFRD1IIb7Z7y8VDnkoRzsMWlcVGJ5Lyc/s1600-h/stevia+seeds+cart+jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232292477267072162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VAebxC8H1LJwu4R3RC9a5Y01U0csdsad3TPwh-3qwlQLOuEFAYMpqF42TCVXaaBu46kZHq3vnqipwFq2eBOqEkb0d70EfJ90SPBu0_dNviPoFRD1IIb7Z7y8VDnkoRzsMWlcVGJ5Lyc/s320/stevia+seeds+cart+jpg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Following is an excerpt from <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Starting Stevia From Seed</strong><br /><br />Stevia is fairly easy to start from seed as long as the seeds are good. In the past, Stevia has usually been started from cuttings because it was hard to find seeds with germination over 50%. In conducting a <a href="http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/proceedings1999/v4-510.html">research project</a> at Northwest Missouri State University, I found black or dark seeds are consistently more viable. By separating out black or darker colored seeds, a germination rate of 80%–90% is common. Good Stevia seeds are now available. Sources are listed in the appendix.<br /><br />Seeds not planted within a few weeks should be stored in a rubber-sealed glass jar or vial. For long term storage, place a little dry silica gel with the seeds—preferably the beaded kind. Silica gel is usually treated so it is blue when dry and turns pink when saturated. Beaded silica gel can be dried on a cookie sheet in an oven on low heat, with the door ajar. Keep sealed seeds in a cool room out of direct sunlight or in your refrigerator. When stored this way, good seeds retain viability for many years. Stevia seeds from our own plants retained most of their germination ability after seven years of low humidity, low temperature storage. Seeds stored at room temperature and humidity dropped from 90% germination at harvest to 75% germination 7 months later.<br /><br />Sow seeds indoors in early spring, or any time if you plan to keep plants indoors or in a greenhouse with artificial light. Transplants should be transferred to the garden at least two weeks after your usual last frost date (we usually transplant about mid May here in Missouri—USDA zone 5). Plants reach a good transplant size after about 8–10 weeks.<br /><br />If you already have a favorite method for starting seeds indoors, it should work fine for stevia. Just keep in mind that exposure to light helps germination slightly. Otherwise, requirements are similar to those for tomatoes.<br /><br />See Chapter 5 of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia</span></em> for these additional topics:<br /><br />Seeds Storage<br />Shopping List for Stevia Seed Starting<br />Directions for Starting Stevia Seeds<br />Timing<br />Filling Pots<br />Stevia Seed Selection<br />Stevia Seed Planting<br />Lighting, Humidity, and Warmth<br />Watering Stevia Seedlings<br />Pruning and Transplanting Stevia Seedlings<br /><br /><br />Order your copy of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</span></em> through one of these links:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">directly from Prairie Oak Publishing</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">from Amazon.com.</a><br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />###</div>Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-47905604326257166532008-08-06T11:23:00.000-07:002008-08-08T16:44:20.935-07:006: Harvesting Stevia<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPo1aUEMlXFhJGITiUxbCvhnSnlDs7FnjnP2NlDCmffEnNtysFXmImVkUjvXRkJXWoI8E9N7UxU0pD30k6zp5qL0apgR0IZHVAO8FOZp2oiP-6IO-0b24T-_17DW6SZghEqsbUW_M95ww/s1600-h/leaves+in+jar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232293990353764290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPo1aUEMlXFhJGITiUxbCvhnSnlDs7FnjnP2NlDCmffEnNtysFXmImVkUjvXRkJXWoI8E9N7UxU0pD30k6zp5qL0apgR0IZHVAO8FOZp2oiP-6IO-0b24T-_17DW6SZghEqsbUW_M95ww/s320/leaves+in+jar.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br /><div>Following is an excerpt from <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</a>.<br /><br />When it comes to harvesting, the obvious method is grazing in the Stevia patch. Just pinch off a leaf and enjoy. It’s even better when combined with a mint leaf. With a little more effort, you can use those fresh leaves to make a tea with a tea ball or strainer just as you would make any herb tea.Harvest time really arrives when plants are fully grown. You’ll get the highest leaf yield just as plants start blooming in the late summer or fall. When the first blossom buds form, go ahead and harvest.<br /><br />See Chapter 6 of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia</span></em> for these additional topics:<br /><br /></div><ul><br /><li>Drying Leaves<br /></li><li>Storing Dried Leaves</li></ul><p><br />Order your copy of <em><span style="color:#006600;">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</span></em> through one of these links:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">directly from Prairie Oak Publishing</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">from Amazon.com.</a><br /><br />###</p>Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-30793969704496679982008-08-05T19:56:00.000-07:002008-08-08T16:35:47.627-07:007: Processing Stevia Leaves<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVkk9qs5tXdurf_0R9JbT4z043xNnsWQ9YoUMaFXftgoI76IKkyVX1Rp9_l1y_44rrsO8Ft6TBr5WTrvWywOjQxLSSubl6YRVixNKhj8AFg6sVzcRjCsT5WRcM4QePgjMO6MLN4MeREc/s1600-h/green+powder+jar+jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232294639618695346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVkk9qs5tXdurf_0R9JbT4z043xNnsWQ9YoUMaFXftgoI76IKkyVX1Rp9_l1y_44rrsO8Ft6TBr5WTrvWywOjQxLSSubl6YRVixNKhj8AFg6sVzcRjCsT5WRcM4QePgjMO6MLN4MeREc/s320/green+powder+jar+jpg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Following is an excerpt from <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</a><br /><br /><br />Whole Dried Stevia Leaves are ready for making herbal tea alone or in combination with other herbs. Mint or chamomile leaves go nicely with Stevia. Most herbal teas are better with the addition of Stevia leaves. Whole Dried Stevia Leaves may be purchased if you run out of home-grown leaves. Check the appendix for sources. If you feel a little more ambitious, following are a couple of ways to make further use of homegrown or purchased Dried Stevia Leaves. Recipes in chapter 9 make use of Stevia Leaf Water Extract and Green Stevia Powder<br /><br /><br /><strong>Stevia Leaf Water Extract</strong> <em>yields about ½ cup extract</em><br /><br />This liquid extract is made from dried leaves. Alcohol or glycerin extracts are available for purchase, but we prefer this water extract which keeps about a week in the refrigerator.<br /><br />· ½ cup Dried Stevia Leaves, packed in the measuring cup<br />· 1 cup water<br /><br />Bring water to a simmer in a small saucepan. Small bubbles should come to the surface. Stir in Dried Stevia Leaves, turn off heat, and cover the pan. Steep 40 minutes. Store in a very clean glass jar. Cover with a lid and refrigerate. Use within a week.<br /><br />(continued below)<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br /><strong>Green Stevia Powder</strong> <em>yields about 1/3 cup powder</em><br /><br />The most versatile Stevia product from homegrown plants, you’ll find recipes using Green Stevia Powder in this book and more in “Stevia Sweet Recipes: Sugar-Free―Naturally!” by Jeffrey Goettemoeller. Green Stevia Powder is also available for purchase at some natural food stores or online (see appendix).<br /><br />· 2 cups Dried Stevia Leaves, packed down in the measuring cup<br /><br />Place dried stevia leaves in a blender bowl and cover while blending on high speed for 30 seconds. Leave bowl covered a few minutes, allowing dust to settle inside. Remove cover and stir with a rubber or plastic spatula, then put cover back on and blend another 30 seconds at high speed.<br /><br />Alternatively, this first step may be done with a flour sifter or mortar and pestle, in the absence of electricity or an electric blender. With a flour sifter, put in a handful of leaves at a time, cover, and turn the handle until most leaf material has disintegrated and fallen through the screen. Throw out any remaining leaf veins or debris. When using a mortar and pestle, thoroughly grind a few leaves at a time.<br /><br />Regardless of the grinding method, the powder may be used in recipes at this point if desired, or sift through a tea strainer to remove larger particles still remaining. This removes some tough leaf veins that resist dissolving and don’t taste as good.<br /><br />For long term storage, put the powder in a glass jar with a tight lid and keep in a dark place. It stores at least 2 years this way without flavor loss. Short term, Green Stevia Powder may be stored in a re-closeable plastic bag kept in a dark location. In general, 3–4 teaspoons of Green Stevia Powder replace a cup of refined sugar.<br /><br />Order your own copy of <em>Growing and Using Stevia</em> from these vendors:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">Click here to order directly from Prairie Oak Publishing</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">Click here to order from Amazon.com.</a><br />###</div>Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-9521042408442648502008-08-05T19:14:00.000-07:002008-08-05T19:38:48.155-07:008: Stevia in the KitchenFollowing is an excerpt from <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</a>.<br /><br />Stevia is available for purchase in the following forms:<br /><br />· Dried Stevia Leaves (whole dried leaves)<br />· Green Stevia Powder (powdered leaves)<br />· Liquid Stevia Extracts (alcohol, glycerin, or water-based)<br />· Stevia Extract Powder (extract of glycosides)<br /><br />Here we are primarily concerned with Dried Stevia Leaves, Green Stevia Powder, and Stevia Leaf Water Extract, since these can be made right in your kitchen from homegrown or purchased Stevia leaves (see chapter 7) and then used in the recipes in chapter 9.<br />Unlike aspartame, Stevia is heat stable. This means it works in a variety of dishes when the recipe is properly designed. Dry Stevia products also have a long shelf life.<br /><br />Certain issues present a challenge when cooking with Stevia. Very little is required due to its tremendous sweetness. Bulk that would normally be provided by sugar must instead be supplied by other dry ingredients. Also, some way must be found to distribute Stevia evenly through the other ingredients.<br /><br />Another challenge is the taste of Stevia itself, especially with Green Stevia Powder and Liquid Stevia Extract. Stevia is a natural sweetener with its own unique flavor, just as honey and sorghum have their own flavors. This is not a problem if the ingredients are adjusted and selected so they interact harmoniously with Stevia. In fact, Green Stevia Powder can act as a flavor enhancer at times, bringing out the flavors of other ingredients.<br /><br /><strong>Dried Stevia Leaves<br /></strong><br />Whole dried leaves may be purchased (see appendix) or grow your own! Either way, they make a sweet and delicious herbal tea. Stevia leaves enhance the sweetness and flavor of most other tea herbs when mixed together. Dried Stevia Leaves are also the raw ingredient for making other stevia products. Dried Stevia Leaves may be stored at room temperature in an airtight jar out of the sunlight. They will keep well this way for at least 3 years.<br /><br /><strong>Green Stevia Powder<br /></strong><br />Green Stevia Powder consists of Dried Stevia Leaves which have been finely ground. It can be made in the kitchen from homegrown or purchased leaves (see chapter 7). Green Stevia Powder contains the full range of nutrients found in Stevia. It does present some challenges, with its green color and stronger taste. It doesn’t work in just any recipe, but works well in many of the recipes found in chapter 9.<br /><br />Store Green Stevia Powder in a glass jar with a tight lid and keep in a dark place at room temperature. It stores at least 2 years this way without loss of quality. A re-closeable plastic bag kept in a dark location will be adequate for short-term storage.<br /><br />Conversion rate: A good rule of thumb is to use 3–4 teaspoons of Green Stevia Powder in place of 1 cup refined cane sugar. But the conversion rate varies greatly depending on the recipe.<br /><br />(continued below)<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><strong>Liquid Stevia Extracts</strong><br /><br />Liquid extracts are convenient for sweetening beverages and some other dishes. Most liquid extracts on the market have an alcohol or glycerin base to extend shelf life. Stevia Leaf Water Extract can be used in some of the recipes in chapter 9 and may be made in your own kitchen from dried leaves by following the directions in chapter seven (p. 43). Stevia Leaf Water Extract can be kept in the refrigerator for about a week.<br /><br /><strong>Stevia Extract Powder</strong><br /><br />Most Stevia recipe books, including Jeffrey’s Stevia Sweet Recipes: Sugar-Free—Naturally!, call for pure Stevia Extract Powder, which must be purchased. The extraction process is beyond what you would want to tackle at home. This white or off-white powder is an extract of the sweet glycosides in the Stevia plant. Because of their unique structure, these glycosides don’t contribute calories to the diet. The main glycosides are stevioside and rebaudioside A. Stevia Extract Powder contains 80–95% glycosides. The term “stevioside” is used by some authors as a collective term for all the glycosides found in the Stevia plant.<br /><br />We prefer a pure Stevia product, with no maltodextrin or other fillers. These fillers may not be tolerated by those who must avoid easily metabolized carbohydrates, and the pure Stevia Extract Powder is almost always a better buy in terms of sweetening power for your money. Additionally, some fillers dissolve poorly.<br /><br />Conversion rate: We find that one teaspoon of Stevia Extract Powder has roughly the sweetening power of one cup refined cane sugar, though the conversion rate varies depending on the ingredients with which it is combined.<br /><br />Order your own copy of <em>Growing and Using Stevia</em> from these vendors:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">Click here to order directly from Prairie Oak Publishing</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">Click here to order from Amazon.com.</a><br />###Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-7168006941377337952008-08-05T16:57:00.000-07:002008-08-05T19:07:23.296-07:009: Green Stevia Recipes<p>The 35 recipes in <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">Growing and Using Stevia</a> use Dried Stevia Leaves (for tea), Green Stevia Powder, or Stevia Leaf Water Extract—products that can be made at home from homegrown or purchased stevia leaves! Following are a few of the recipes from the book.</p><p>******************************</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>Simple Stevia Tea</strong> <em>yields 1 cup</em><br /><br />• 1 cup water<br />• Approximately 1 teaspoon Dried Stevia Leaves, slightly crushed (a few leaves)<br /><br />Pour the water into a saucepan. Place Dried Stevia Leaves in a tea ball or loose directly into the water. Bring to a simmer and leave on burner for 3–5 minutes. Remove tea ball or strain to remove loose leaves and serve when tea cools sufficiently.<br /><br />Variation: Other dried or fresh tea herb leaves such as mint may be combined with stevia leaves as desired.</p><p>******************************</p><p></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Rhubarb Strawberry Pie</strong> <em>yields a 10 inch pie</em><br /><br />• Pastry for a 10 inch, 2 crust pie<br />• ¾ cup whole wheat pastry flour (any whole grain flour may be substituted)<br />• 2 tablespoons Green Stevia Powder<br />• 3 cups fresh rhubarb ribs, cut in pieces<br />• 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced<br />• 2 tablespoons butter<br /><br />Fit bottom pastry into a pie dish.<br />Stir together flour and Green Stevia Powder in a large mixing bowl. Add rhubarb and strawberries and stir to coat well. Turn into the prepared pastry. Dot with butter.<br />Moisten the outer rim of the lower crust with water. Place upper crust on top and crimp edges to seal. Slit upper crust to let steam escape. Bake 30 minutes at 400° F. (205° Celsius). Reduce heat to 350° F. (177° Celsius) and bake an ad-ditional 30 minutes. Cover with foil the last 15 minutes to prevent over-browning. Cool on a rack. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Also good served at room temperature. </p><p>******************************<br /></p><p></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Chocolate Milk Shake</strong> <em>yields 2 servings</em><br /><br />• 2 frozen bananas, cut into pieces<br />• 1½ cups milk (soymilk or rice beverage may be substituted)<br />• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder<br />• 2 teaspoons Green Stevia Powder or 7 teaspoons Stevia Leaf Water Extract<br />• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract<br /><br />Place half the banana pieces and remaining ingredients in a blender bowl. Process on medium, then increase speed to a higher setting. Gradually add remaining banana pieces and process until smooth. Serve immediately.</p><p>****************************</p><p></p><p></p><p>See chapter 9 of <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/index.php?pr=Growing_Stevia">Growing and Using Stevia</a> for more recipes! Here's the entire recipe list from the book:</p><p></p><p></p><p>Simple Stevia Tea<br />Hot Tea, Green<br />Blueberry Grape Syrup<br />Puffy Oven Pancakes<br />Spiced Oat, Nut, & Fruit Granola<br />Gluten-Free Granola<br />Breakfast Oatmeal<br />Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal<br />Breakfast Sausage<br />Vanilla Nut ‘Ice Cream’<br />Orange Stevia Soda<br />Chocolate Milk Shake<br />Peach Smoothie<br />Strawberry Soup<br />Strawberry Smoothie<br />Chocolate Chip Cookies<br />Lime Pie<br />Rhubarb Strawberry Pie<br />Blueberry Pie<br />Carob Silk Pie<br />Coconut Whipped Cream<br />Lemon Chiffon Topping<br />Baked Custard<br />Pumpkin Custard<br />Grape Kiwi Salad<br />Pineapple Berry Gelatin<br />Sweet ‘n Spicy Meatballs<br />Savory Spaghetti Sauce<br />Special Garlic Toast<br />Herb Dumplings for Stew<br />Salt-Free Herbal Seasoning<br />Creamy Herb Salad Dressing<br />Sunflower Oat Rolls<br />Pumpkin Muffins<br />Rice Tomato Soup<br /></p><p><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />Find out about ordering <em><span style="color:#993300;">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 recipes</span></em>: </p><p><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">directly from Prairie Oak Publishing</a></p><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">from Amazon.com</a><br /><br /></p>Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-58280518938568786482008-08-05T13:32:00.000-07:002008-08-08T19:03:47.417-07:00Stevia Sources and ResourcesThe following is not an exhaustive list, but we present these contacts for your information. We have not dealt with all of these companies, so inclusion here does not necessarily represent an endorsement. <strong><br /></strong><br />Heirloom Acres LLC<br />PO BOX 194; New Bloomfield MO 65063<br />(573) 491-3001<br /><a href="http://www.heirloomacresseeds.com/">http://www.heirloomacresseeds.com/</a><br />Stevia Seeds<br /><br />Prairie Oak Publishing<br />221 S. Saunders St.<br />Maryville MO 64468<br />(660) 528-0768 <a href="http://www.steviaseed.com/">http://www.steviaseed.com/</a> or <a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/">http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/</a><br />Stevia seeds & books, wholesale and retail<br /><br />Morgan County Seeds<br />18761 Kelsay Rd.; Barnett MO 65011<br />(573) 378-2655<br /><a href="http://www.morgancountyseeds.com/">http://www.morgancountyseeds.com/</a><br />Stevia Seeds<br /><br />Pinetree Garden Seeds<br />PO BOX 300<br />New Gloucester ME 04260<br /><a href="http://www.superseeds.com/">http://www.superseeds.com/</a><br />Stevia Seeds<br /><br />Seedman<br />3421 Bream St.<br />Gautier MS 39553<br /><a href="http://www.seedman.com/stevia.htm">http://www.seedman.com/stevia.htm</a><br />Stevia Seeds, Green Stevia Powder, Stevia Extract Powder<br /><br />Ayer Market and Greenhouse<br />Rt. 2 BOX 302<br />Bluford IL 62814<br />(618) 732-8558<br />Live stevia Plants, Seeds, Green Stevia Powder, Stevia Extract Powder<br /><br />J. W. Jung Seed Company<br />335 S. High St.<br />Randolph, WI 53957-0001<br />(800) 247-5864 <a href="http://www.jungseed.com/">http://www.jungseed.com/</a><br />Live Stevia Plants, Seeds<br /><br />Seed Savers Exchange<br />3094 N Winn RD; Decorah IA 52101<br /><a href="http://www.seedsavers.org/">http://www.seedsavers.org/</a><br />Stevia Seeds<br /><br />Fountain of Youth–Gojiseed.com<br />2478 State Hwy 92; Winterset, IA 50273<br />(515) 462-2352<br /><a href="http://www.fountainofyouth-gojiseed.com/">http://www.fountainofyouth-gojiseed.com/</a><br />Stevia Seeds<br /><br />Nichols Garden Nursery<br />1190 Old Salem Road NE<br />Albany, OR 97321-4580<br />(800) 422-3985<br /><a href="http://www.nicholsgardennursery.com/">http://www.nicholsgardennursery.com/</a><br />Live Stevia Plants, Seeds, Green Stevia Powder, Stevia Extract Powder<br /><br />Emperors Herbologist<br />(904) 538-3838<br /><a href="http://www.emperorsherbologist.com/">http://www.emperorsherbologist.com/</a><br />Green Stevia Powder, Stevia Extract Powder<br /><br />Herbal Advantage Inc.<br />131 Bobwhite Rd; Rogersville MO 65742<br />Rogersville MO 65742<br />(800) 753-9199<br /><a href="http://www.herbaladvantage.com/">http://www.herbaladvantage.com/</a><br />Live Stevia Plants, Whole Dried Leaves, Green Stevia Powder, Stevia Extract Powder<br /><br />(continued below)<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=00 00FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />Johnny’s Selected Seeds<br />955 Benton Ave; Winslow ME 04901<br />(877) 564-6697 <a href="http://www.johnnyseeds.com/">http://www.johnnyseeds.com/</a><br />Stevia Seeds<br /><br />Horizon Herbs<br />PO BOX 69; Williams OR 97544<br /><a href="http://www.horizonherbs.com/">http://www.horizonherbs.com/</a><br />Stevia Seeds<br /><br />One Green World<br />28696 South Cramer Rd.<br />Molalla OR 97038<br />(877) 353-4028 <a href="http://www.onegreenworld.com/">http://www.onegreenworld.com/</a><br />Live Stevia Plants<br /><br />Crimson Sage Nursery<br />PO BOX 83; Orleans CA 95556<br /><a href="http://www.crimson-sage.com/">http://www.crimson-sage.com/</a><br />Live Stevia Plants<br /><br /><strong>Resources for Additional Information</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.growingstevia.com/">http://www.growingstevia.com/</a><br />Official web site for Growing and Using Stevia<br /><br /><a href="http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/stevia.htm">www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/stevia.htm</a><br />Canadian government site on large scale Stevia cultivation<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/ksherbs/stevia.htm">http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/ksherbs/stevia.htm</a><br />Results of Kansas State University commercial scale trials<br /><br />Stevia Sweet Recipes: Sugar-Free―Naturally!<br />by Jeffrey Goettemoeller • Square One Publishers<br />Recipes using white Stevia Extract Powder and/or Green Stevia Powder. Available at health food stores or these web sites:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">Amazon.com </a><br /><a href="http://www.stevia-recipes.com/">http://www.stevia-recipes.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.squareonepublishers.com/">http://www.squareonepublishers.com/</a> (wholesale & retail)<br /><br />###Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2559975688062377650.post-19366387662910386772008-08-05T12:01:00.000-07:002008-08-05T19:50:37.737-07:00Growing Stevia GlossaryThis Glossary is from the book entitled <a href="http://www.growingstevia.com/">Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes</a><br /><br /><strong>aphids—</strong>Soft-bodied, sap-sucking insects from 1–5 mm long. They sometimes infest tender young stevia leaves and stems. Infestations are usually not serious outdoors. More often, aphids are a problem indoors or in greenhouses. Controlled by insecticidal soap or insect predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.<br /><br /><strong>cell pack—</strong>A container for starting plants—usually small plastic pots or “cells” attached in a group. The most common size is a 6-pack. Twelve 6-packs fit in a standard nursery flat for a total of 72 plants. Nursery flats with cell packs are widely available at general merchandise stores or by mail order and are ideal for starting large numbers of stevia or other bedding plants.<br /><br /><strong>compost—</strong>Decomposed organic matter that can be used as a soil amendment or growing medium. Often part of potting soil or seed starting mixes. Mixed into garden soil, improves soil structure and fertility. In most soils, compost is the only fertilization necessary for successful stevia production.<br /><br /><strong>cutting—</strong>A section of plant stem used for asexual propagation. Stevia cuttings in a coarse growing medium produce roots easily.<br /><br /><strong>dehydrator—</strong>Appliance with shelves or trays designed to dry food using low heat and circulating air.<br /><br /><strong>direct seeding—</strong>Planting directly in the ground outdoors. Not recommended for stevia because of small size and high cost of seeds.<br /><br /><strong>drip hose—</strong>Special water hose used for drip irrigation. Water weeps or drips slowly from emitters tiny holes.<br /><br /><strong>drip irrigation—</strong>A watering method that minimizes water use and prevents wetting of plant leaves by slowly dripping water on the soil surface or from a hose buried below the surface.<br /><br /><strong>fish fertilizer—</strong>Fish-derived liquid or powder designed to provide major nutrients to plants. Useful for stevia grown in low fertility soils when used in a more dilute solution than usual.<br /><br /><strong>genus—</strong>A taxonomic category consisting of a group of plant species with similar characteristics. Stevia is a genus name. Within this genus, only the rebaudiana species contains large amounts of sweet glycosides.<br /><br /><strong>germination—</strong>Emergence from a period of dormancy. Seed germination is the beginning of a growth cycle for plants like stevia.<br /><br /><strong>gluten—</strong>A type of protein found in many grains. Gluten-free ingredients are available for those with gluten intolerance.<br /><br /><strong>glycemic index—</strong>A measure of how fast a food causes a rise in blood glucose levels upon consumption. Stevia is considered non-glycemic, causing virtually no surge in blood glucose levels.<br /><br /><strong>glycosides—</strong>A group of molecules in which the sugar part is bound to another part. Certain glycosides, stevioside and rebaudioside A being the most prominent, are responsible for the sweet taste of stevia. Rebaudioside A is considered to have the best quality of taste. Some authors use the term “stevioside” to mean all the glycosides in the stevia plant collectively.<br /><br /><strong>green manure—</strong>A plant being grown for the purpose of improving the soil rather than direct harvest.<br /><br /><strong>greensand—</strong>A slow-release natural fertilizer formed in marine deposits. Supplies mainly potassium (potash) and many other trace minerals. It can be used in potting soil, as a garden soil conditioner, or as a top dressing.<br /><br /><strong>Green Stevia Powder—</strong>Powdered dry stevia leaf. Easily made at home from dry leaves in a blender or with a mortar and pestle. Useful in some types of recipes.<br /><br /><strong>insecticidal soap—</strong>Special soap designed to control certain pests such as aphids by a direct spray application.<br /><br /><strong>last frost date—</strong>The average date of the last frost in the spring. Since stevia is sensitive to cold, it should not be put outdoors without protection until at least a couple weeks after your last frost date when the soil is warm. Find your last frost date online, at the library, or at your local university extension agency.<br /><br /><strong>loam—</strong>Soil consisting of sand, silt, and clay, usually with a lower proportion of clay. Ideal for many plants including stevia.<br /><br /><strong>mother plant—</strong>Plant from which material is taken for propagating new plants. Stevia can be started easily from stem cuttings.<br /><br /><strong>mulch—</strong>A material placed on top of the soil, usually to hold in moisture during hot, dry periods. Organic mulches such a straw, leaves, or grass clippings also keep the soil cooler, provide food for earthworms, and gradually enhance soil fertility.<br /><br /><strong>nursery flat—</strong>A shallow container for holding young plants. Can be fitted with a clear dome for seed starting. The most common U.S. size is about 11 inches (28 cm) wide and 21 inches (53 cm) long.<br /><br /><strong>organic matter—</strong>Soil organic matter is plant and animal material that has decayed. Vital for optimum soil structure and fertility. Can be supplied by mulching with organic materials or incorporating compost into the soil.<br /><br /><strong>over-wintering—</strong>Surviving through the winter season. Stevia is a tender perennial native to subtropical regions with mild winters. In cold climates, it usually needs to be brought indoors or otherwise protected from freezing temperatures over the winter. Artificial lighting helps as well.<br /><br /><strong>perennial plant—</strong>A plant that normally lives more than two growing seasons. Stevia is a tender perennial, meaning it generally cannot survive outdoors where temperatures drop below freezing. It can be grown like an annual, however, replanted each year.<br /><br /><strong>perlite—</strong>A type of volcanic glass. Horticultural perlite is very light weight. It has been expanded and has the appearance of small white beads. It adds air spaces to potting and seed starting mixes and is a good medium for rooting plant cuttings.<br /><br /><strong>plant propagation—</strong>The process of reproducing plants. Stevia is usually propagated by stem cuttings or seed.<br /><br /><strong>potting soil—</strong>A medium for growing plants in pots or other containers. Should have the proper balance of air space and water holding capacity along with the necessary nutrients.<br /><br /><strong>pruning—</strong>Removing a portion of a plant. In the case of stevia, stem tips should be removed every few weeks during the early part of the growth cycle. This promotes beneficial branching.<br /><br /><strong>quinoa flakes—</strong>Quinoa is a gluten-free grain sometimes used in the form of flakes. In some recipes, these flakes can be used in place of rolled oats or part of the flour.<br /><br /><strong>raised bed—</strong>Usually a 3–4 foot (1-1.25 meter) wide mound of soil, sometimes surrounded by wood, concrete, plastic, brick, or some other edging to contain the soil. Good for growing stevia in areas where soil drains poorly or is heavy (high in clay content).<br /><br /><strong>rock phosphate—</strong>Rock with a high proportion of phosphate minerals. Phosphate is one of the macro-nutrients needed by plants and may be supplied by fertilizers derived from rock phosphate.<br /><br /><strong>short day plant—</strong>A plant that blossoms only under short day conditions. Stevia rebaudiana falls under this category. It generally produces blossoms only with enough hours of darkness in every 24 hour period. In Missouri, this usually happens in October, when it is too late for the maturing of seeds outdoors before the first frost. The long days of summer at high latitudes tend to suppress blossoming and encourage leaf production.<br /><br /><strong>silica gel—</strong>A porous form of silica that can act as a desiccant (drying agent). Available as solid blue beads that turn pink when saturated. Can be dried out and re-used. Good for placing in a sealed jar with stevia seeds for long term storage.<br /><br />(continued below)<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=steviaplantco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0978629337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br /><strong>simmering—</strong>A cooking technique in which a liquid is kept just below the boiling point. Done by bringing to a boil and then lowering heat until just a few bubbles are visible.<br /><br /><strong>standing water—</strong>Water left on the surface of the ground after a rain. An area where water remains standing for a long time after a rain may be too waterlogged for optimum stevia production. A raised bed may help in such a situation.<br /><br /><strong>steeping—</strong>Soaking something in a liquid. Steeping stevia leaves is part of the process for making stevia tea and stevia water extract.<br /><br /><strong>stem rot—</strong>Fungal disease of plant stems and leaves. Encouraged by high humidity and cool temperatures.<br /><br /><strong>Stevia—</strong>The genus name for a large group of plants and shrubs native to South and Central America. More commonly, the term is used for a particular species, rebaudiana, having a significant quantity of sweet glycosides.<br /><br /><strong>Stevia Extract Powder—</strong>A white or off-white powder consisting mainly of one or more of the glycosides from the Stevia rebaudiana plant.<br /><br /><strong>Stevia Leaf Water Extract—</strong>A greenish liquid produced by steeping dried stevia leaves in hot water.<br /><br /><strong>stevioside—</strong>The most prominent glycoside found in Stevia rebaudiana. Some authors may use this term when referring to all the glycosides found in stevia collectively.<br /><br /><strong>sun exposure—</strong>An expression of how much direct sunlight strikes a plant. In most places, stevia thrives with full sun or with afternoon shade. During the summer in hot climates, additional shade may be needed and can be provided by shade cloth or other material attached to some kind of frame.<br /><br /><strong>tea ball—</strong>Usually a hollow metal ball with holes. Make stevia tea by immersion in hot water with leaves inside.<br /><br /><strong>tea strainer—</strong>Basket-like sieve with a handle. Make stevia tea by immersion in hot water with leaves inside.<br /><br /><strong>temperate climates—</strong>The climates predominating between the tropics and the polar circles or in higher altitudes of some tropical regions.<br /><br /><strong>tender perennial—</strong>A plant like stevia that generally survives more than two growing seasons, but only where temperatures remain mostly above freezing all year. Stevia can be treated as an annual (replanted every growing season) in colder climates.<br /><br /><strong>transplant—</strong>A young plant meant to be moved to a new growing location or the act of moving a plant to a new growing medium.<br /><br /><strong>University Extension Agency—</strong>University based entity that educates the public on consumer issues, health, horticulture, and other topics in many states of the U.S.A.<br /><br /><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone—</strong>Geographic zones based on what plants can grow well in the area. First established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.<br /><br /><strong>vermiculite—</strong>A natural mineral with a high cation exchange capacity. Horticultural vermiculite has been expanded and is light in weight. Useful for potting and seed starting mixes and the perfect covering for stevia seed germination.<br /><br /><strong>viable—</strong>For seeds, this means having the capacity for germination under favorable conditions.<br /><br /><strong>whiteflies—</strong>Tiny sap-sucking insects. They congregate mostly on the underside of leaves. Sometimes infest stevia, especially indoors. Control methods include insecticidal soap and predatory insects such as lacewings.<br /><br />The above glossary is from Growing and Using Stevia: The Sweet Leaf from Garden to Table with 35 Recipes<br /><br /><a href="http://www.prairieoakpublishing.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID">Click here to order the book directly from Prairie Oak Publishing</a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0978629337/ref=noism?tag=steviaplantco-20">Click here to order from Amazon.com</a></p><p>###</p>Jeff Goettemoellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920999423363216787noreply@blogger.com0