Can't say I've bought any packaged type but think I've tasted it (dipped finger) from a friend once. I know what you mean about the bitter taste; I think all the artificial sweeteners also taste like that (Sweet n' Low, Saccharin, etc).
The leaves of Stevia will sometimes have that extra sweet-bordering-on-"bitter" when eaten directly. Making a decoction and diluting it to your liking won't be that way though.
In the spring, if you remind me, I'll send you a plant to try.
Shoe (off to gather eggs, bring in the firewood, and cook fish for supper. Back later!)
