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What is a Nectar?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The term “nectar” is used to refer to several different things. In a botanical sense, it is a very rich, sweet liquid secreted by plants. In the world of cooking, nectar is a form of fruit juice which can take a range of forms, depending on the style in which it is made. Many people associate the term with undiluted fruit juices which tend to be very sweet and very rich, much like the plant liquids they are named for.

The word comes from the Greek nektar, which means “drink of the gods.” Nectar is also known as ambrosia, and according to Greek mythology, it was a drink which provided complete nutrition, and the people who drank it became immortal. People often associate this liquid with sweet, rich, luxurious juices which are almost too intense to drink alone as a result of the classical meaning.

Juicy fruits like apricots can be used to make nectar.
Juicy fruits like apricots can be used to make nectar.

Any number of fruits can be used to produce nectar, although tropical fruits like mangoes and guavas are very popular. You can also find it made from naturally sweet and juicy fruits like peaches and apricots. When produced as an undiluted juice, it is made by pressing the fruit concerned, and it often includes some of the pulp, making the result very thick. This type of nectar is used in mixed drinks to provide a note of sweetness, and it can also be diluted with water or soda and drunk plain.

The nectar of guava is sometimes used in juices.
The nectar of guava is sometimes used in juices.

However, nectar doesn't necessarily have to be undiluted juice. A number of companies in the United States produce products that are diluted with a range of substances, using the label to take advantage of United States Department of Agriculture requirements which state that nectar must contain 25-50% juice, while “fruit juice” must typically contain a higher percentage of actual fruit. These varieties are often heavily sweetened, making them less sound nutritional choices than plain juice or undiluted nectars.

Nectar is sometimes used to sweeten iced tea.
Nectar is sometimes used to sweeten iced tea.

Many people find nectar quite refreshing, especially when it is served cold on a hot day. Adventurous cooks can try blending it with iced tea for a distinctive drink, or serving it with scoops of ice cream to make a fruit-based form of the beloved root beer float. When purchasing nectar at the market, you should inspect the label carefully, to ensure that you are getting the kind you want, as you do not want to be surprised by one with a low fruit content.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon50903

The nectar of the gods was a mixture of the menses of the Vestal Virgins (13 to 22 years of age), their seminal fluid which was mixed with honey to prevent growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi and, when served, was served in wine or beer. Menses is known to be rich in 12 different hormonal compounds from the pineal and pituitary glands in the brain and can energize your endocrine system, your immune system and sometimes to an altered state of consciousness. Seminal fluid is rich in telomerase which can prolong life. As the vitality of women degenerated, (about 900 BC), a substitution was made: white powder gold.

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    • Juicy fruits like apricots can be used to make nectar.
      By: Malyshchyts Viktar
      Juicy fruits like apricots can be used to make nectar.
    • The nectar of guava is sometimes used in juices.
      By: tashka2000
      The nectar of guava is sometimes used in juices.
    • Nectar is sometimes used to sweeten iced tea.
      By: okinawakasawa
      Nectar is sometimes used to sweeten iced tea.
    • In the U.S., fruit juice is required to contain more actual fruit than a beverage labeled nectar.
      By: verca
      In the U.S., fruit juice is required to contain more actual fruit than a beverage labeled nectar.
    • The United States Department of Agriculture has specific requirements for what can be labeled as fruit nectars and juices.
      By: monticellllo
      The United States Department of Agriculture has specific requirements for what can be labeled as fruit nectars and juices.
    • Nectar juice is sometimes utilized in mixed drinks.
      By: emirkoo
      Nectar juice is sometimes utilized in mixed drinks.