Fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked and made into jams, tarts or puddings. Prefers a fertile, well drained moisture retentive soil but is not fussy whether conditions are acid or alkaline. Best in full sun or light shade but can tolerate semi-shade.

A wholesome alternative to processed sugar and chemically-derived artificial sweeteners, Stevia ("sugarleaf") is becoming more and more popular among health-conscious individuals. It's 20 to 30 times sweeter than sugar cane, yet is non-caloric.