PYONGYANG, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Agricultural researchers in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have succeeded in breeding a new species of stevia, a perennial plant rich in healthy sugar, the official news agency KCNA reported Friday.
Researchers at Pyongyang University of Agriculture said stevia is very high in sugar content and has no adverse effect on the human body. It is good for diabetes, hypertension, nephritis, indigestion and stomach-ache patients.
According to the report, the new species almost doubles the existing species common in Korea in the amount of sugar, and its taste is also much better. It grows up to 1.2 to 1.6 meters in the first year and its leaf is much larger than the current species.
The new species does not change in color or taste when mixed with foodstuff, so it can be used in foods and medicines, the report said.
