Hebrew: סְטִיבִיָּה, setiviyah
Family: Compositae (Asteraceae)
Scientific name: Stevia rebaudiana
Stevia is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Compositae family. Its leaves contain a high concentration of sweetening agents that do not influence the glucose level in human blood when consumed. For this reason, it is considered a non-caloric sweetener. Stevia leaves are used as sweeteners in several forms: fresh or dried, liquid extract and powder.
Passover: Fresh leaves may be used on Passover. However, in liquid extract form it is possible that alcohol derived from legumes or grains was used in the production process.
Terumot and ma’aserot (offerings and tithes): Stevia leaves are generally not consumed on their own. However, they are often used in powder or liquid extract form. For this reason, terumot and ma’aserot should be separated without a blessing before use.
Kilei zera’im and kilei hakerem (interplanting – annuals and grapevines): Since stevia is an herbaceous plant, it is halachically considered a vegetable. For this reason, it should be distanced from other “vegetables,” edible annuals, and grapevines.
Keduashat shevi’it (Sabbatical-year sanctity): Stevia leaves have kedushat shevi’it since they are used for food.
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