The use of Stevia dates back to 16th century South America, a time when the Guarani Indians of Paraguay referred to Stevia as kaa-he-he.  Stevia leaves were first used to curb the bitterness of medicinal concoctions and a tea-like tribal drink known as maté.  Natives also enjoyed chewing the leaves of the Stevia plant on account of their flavor.  These primitive uses were first documented in 1887 by South American scientist, Antonio Bertoni.  Twenty five years later, the primary constituents in Stevia were identified by two French scientists while studying the plant.  NOW Stevia Extract is based on this very research.
 
Today, Stevia is cultivated all over the world and continually attracts new users and markets.  NOW® Stevia Extract is derived from Organically Grown Stevia rebaudiana, the most potent and effective species according to ongoing studies.  As one of the industry's foremost providers of Stevia products, NOW® Foods takes the quality of our Stevia very seriously.  Our Stevia is tested for quality, and to ensure safety and purity, we us only USDA Certified Organic Stevia.