Ka'a he'e (sweet herb)

It is a plant that originates from Paraguay, a plant that in its wild form can be found in highland semi-arid climates.
 
There are indications that Stevia was used as a natural sweetener already in Pre-Columbian times by the Guaranis. Today, it represents an important part of natural sweeteners consumed in the world. It is extracted from the plant through process of soaking in a hydro alcoholic solution, thereafter dried and processed into a white, sugar like, powder. It gives a sweetened taste that lasts much longer than that of sucrose (sugar).
 
Some stevia based sweeteners can leave a bitter aftertaste of licorice. Its ability to sweeten has made it an interesting alternative to sugar as well as aspartame.