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What is Agave Nectar?

Mandi R. Hall
Mandi R. Hall

Agave nectar is derived from the agave plant of a botanical genus, which belongs to the family of agavaceae. The plant’s nectar, often called agave syrup, is used as a natural sweetener. Agave plants primarily grow in Mexico, though southern areas of the United States are also capable of producing it. The nectar is cultivated from a number of various agave species.

Agave nectar is often associated with tequila, as tequila is derived from the blue agave. Agave nectar, however, may be obtained from many other agave plants in addition to the blue agave. Another misconception about agave nectar and tequila is that they come from a cactus. Agave plants do look similar to a cactus or yucca, but they are not. Many people refer to the agave plant as “American aloe,” as both the aloe plant and the agave plant are “succulents” — plants that retain liquid.

Tequila is made from the blue agave.
Tequila is made from the blue agave.

Sweeter than honey but less gelatinous, agave nectar is often used in tea and other hot and cold beverages, as it dissolves quickly. Other culinary uses might include using it as a topping for pastries and baked goods. Breakfast items — such as waffles or pancakes — that some people regularly top with honey may be topped with agave syrup. Dark agave syrups have a caramel flavor, and are often used in desserts. It is also used as a glaze ingredient for poultry, seafood, or meat dishes.

The core of the agave plant contains the sap that is made into agave nectar.
The core of the agave plant contains the sap that is made into agave nectar.

Agave syrup is generally drawn from agave plants that have reached an age of approximately seven years. Once the plant has ripened, its leaves are cut off to reveal the core. The core — the piña — resembles a huge pineapple, and can weigh approximately 100 pounds (45.36 kg).

Agave sweetener is not sold straight from the agave plant; it goes through a number of processes first. An agave’s sap is first extracted from its core and filtered and heated. At that point, the nectar’s carbohydrates are then broken down into sugars. The primary ingredients of agave nectar are fructose and glucose, with fructose levels generally a great deal higher. Fructose and glucose levels typically depend on which breed of agave plant the nectar is extracted from.

Agave nectar is often used to sweeten beverages in place of sugar.
Agave nectar is often used to sweeten beverages in place of sugar.

Vegans and raw-foodists are particularly attracted to agave sweetener as a honey substitute. The production process includes heating the syrup at a low temperature to protect its natural enzymes. Thus, agave nectar is often thought of as a raw food.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

There was an article in the news about agave syrup and nectar. Consumers seem to be preferring this more and more to other sweeteners because there is so much hype about it. And because of this, there are said to be "impure" agave nectar products out there now. Some of these even have corn syrup in it.

And I think there is still some confusion and debate about which processing methods is best for agave nectar health wise. I guess I'm going to have to have to read all the labels at the store and make sure I'm getting pure agave.

burcidi

My aunt uses agave nectar because she says that it has a low glycemic index. Apparently the sugar in agave nectar mixes into the blood stream slowly and doesn't cause spikes in blood sugar.

My aunt has type two diabetes. She is allowed some sugar as she is taking medication for it. But she has to stick to low glycemic foods. So I guess this is a good sugar option for diabetics and for everyone in general.

serenesurface

I love using agave nectar. I get the organic kind from Whole Foods. I started using it as an alternative to honey. I used to put honey in tea but never liked the fact that honey has a unique flavor and it changes the flavor of tea too. Agave doesn't do that.

I've also experimented cooking with it several times. One time I made baklava and used agave nectar for the syrup instead of sugar. It turned out great and I actually needed less of the nectar since it's so sweet.

sierraluvsu

You should also put what plants they come from: blue agave, salmiana agave, green agave, thorny agave, and rainbow agave.

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    • Tequila is made from the blue agave.
      By: Serhiy Shullye
      Tequila is made from the blue agave.
    • The core of the agave plant contains the sap that is made into agave nectar.
      By: Sergey Belov
      The core of the agave plant contains the sap that is made into agave nectar.
    • Agave nectar is often used to sweeten beverages in place of sugar.
      By: Grafvision
      Agave nectar is often used to sweeten beverages in place of sugar.
    • Honey has a much higher glucose index value than agave syrup.
      By: Nitr
      Honey has a much higher glucose index value than agave syrup.
    • Agave syrup can be a healthy alternative to refined sugar when sweetening coffee and tea.
      By: al62
      Agave syrup can be a healthy alternative to refined sugar when sweetening coffee and tea.
    • Agave nectar may be used in hot tea.
      By: laboko
      Agave nectar may be used in hot tea.
    • Agave nectar may be used to glaze meat.
      By: Brent Hofacker
      Agave nectar may be used to glaze meat.