Stevia extracts

#The present invention relates to a process for preparing compositions comprising steviol glycosides. The present invention also relates to the use of compositions comprising steviol glycosides as sweeteners and/or flavor enhancers.

#High intensity sweeteners possess a sweetness level that is many times greater than the sweetness level of sucrose. They are essentially non-caloric and are commonly used in diet and reduced-calorie products, including foods and beverages. High intensity sweeteners do not elicit a glycemic response, making them suitable for use in products targeted to diabetics and others interested in controlling for their intake of carbohydrates.

#Steviol glycosides are a class of compounds found in the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, a perennial shrub of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family native to certain regions of South America. They are characterized structurally by a single base, steviol, differing by the presence of carbohydrate residues at positions C13 and C19. They accumulate in Stevia leaves, composing approximately 10%-20% of the total dry weight. On a dry weight basis, the four major glycosides found in the leaves of Stevia typically include stevioside (9.1%), rebaudioside A (3.8%), rebaudioside C (0.6-1.0%) and dulcoside A (0.3%).

#The present invention relates to a process for preparing compositions comprising steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana biomass. The present invention also relates to the use of compositions comprising steviol glycosides as a sweetener and/or flavor enhancer.

#The present invention provides new cultivars of Stevia rebaudiana plant, comprising at least one of the steviol glycosides selected from the group including Rebaudioside E, Rebaudioside D, Rebaudioside M, Rebaudioside N, Rebaudioside O, or combinations thereof, wherein the at least one of the steviol glycosides selected from the group including RebE, RebD, RebM, RebN, RebO, is present in a relative concentration higher than the common relative concentration occurring in known varieties and untreated aqueous extracts of Stevia rebaudiana plant.

#In a particular embodiment the new cultivars are the cultivars named Stevia rebaudiana 814011, 807086, 817096, which are obtained by selective breeding of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant.