What could be more pleasant on a blazing hot summer day than a long, cool drink? But in the modern commercial world of today, there may be hazards in yielding to temptation. The desire to reduce weight among many citizens has resulted in a host of artificial sweeteners being used in summer drinks. Some of these may be cancer-causing agents, or in other ways dangerous to health.
Recently, however, a completely new sweetener has been discovered, which is 300 times sweeter than sugar, contains almost no calories, yet is completely natural. This substance is obtained from a leafy plant named stevia which is indigenous to the mountain regions of Paraguay and Brazil. Its sweet properties were discovered in joint investigations and tests conducted by scientists of the Republic of China, the U.S. and Japan.
Since stevia grows in a hot humid climate, many parts of Asia are suitable for its cultivation. Tests on the plant, which grows about three feet tall, are still being conducted at the National Taiwan University in Taipei. The results show that it can be harvested 80 days after planting and every 40 days after that for about three years, when it must be re-planted.
Farmers in 19 areas of Taiwan have been growing the crop for some time. It is not surprising that they are satisfied with the yield, since the average harvest earns nine times as much as an equivalent amount of rice. About one metric ton of the crop brings in some US$4,750 of profit.
Stevia will grow wild, and is easily cultivated in the field. The biggest chore for farmers is weeding, tiring work which has to be undertaken after each heavy rainfall. The weeds not only take nutriments from the crop, but also block off the sun's rays.
After harvesting, the leaves must be dried in the sun for several days. During this time, they must be constantly turned by farmers, who have to work full day shifts under the hot sun. But because the work is not particularly strenuous physically, and calls for only simple tools, it can be done easily, even by semi-retired farmers.
Recent scientific breakthroughs in improving quality and crop yields, together with better production and processing methods, have left little doubt that stevia will make an important contribution to Taiwan's agricultural economy in the future.
[Picture Caption]
The white stevia flower has a fragrance which attracts butterflies to assist in cross-pollination.
1. Leaves are picked by women workers when the plant is about 25 inches tall. 2. Stevia has to be watered constantly. 3. It takes skill to pick the stevia leaves. If too many are taken, photosynthesis cannot occur. 4. Drying stevia leaves is a tiring work.
Leaves are picked by women workers when the plant is about 25 inches tall.
Stevia has to be watered constantly.
It takes skill to pick the stevia leaves. If too many are taken, photosynthesis cannot occur.
Drying stevia leaves is a tiring work.
