Description
Also called sweetleaf for the very sweet taste of its leaves. An herb member of the chrysanthemum family that is native to parts of Brazil, where it grows wild as a small shrub. Grow it in containers or in the garden. It’s a great way to sweeten iced tea and other beverages without adding calories. It is reliably perennial in zones 9 to 11 and may overwinter in zone 8 with protection. Leaves are 30 times sweeter than sugar. Single plant yields up to a 1/2 lb. of dried leaf. All parts of the plant are sweet, but pick the herb’s short-stemmed leaves for fresh use. Leaves can be sun-dried, powdered and stored in an airtight container.
