Growing On The High Plains: Sweet Stevia

High Plains Public Radio | By Skip Mancini

Published May 27, 2021 at 6:12 PM CDT

Today’s Growing on the High Plains will be short and “sweet.” Tune in for facts about the stevia plant, first used among South American native tribes as a sweetener. This natural “sugar substitute” was a logical solution to food companies facing regulation on carcinogenic chemical sweeteners. Go on and try your hand at growing stevia in your garden! There are countless uses for this ancient, plant-based sweetener, so try your hand at a stevia plant this season!

HPPR Environment

Skip Mancini

Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.

See stories by Skip Mancini