What is Agave Nectar?
Agave Nectar is also known as Agave Syrup
Agave Syrup has been used by ancient
cultures in central Mexico, for thousands of years. This high-fructuose
natural syrup is obtained from the sap in the hearts (piņas) of the
agave or maguey (pronounced 'mah-gay') plant.
The
Agave plant shares a common habitat with many cacti, but it is not one
itself.
This plant is actually related to the lily and amaryllis but has
its own genus, Agave.
A mature agave has leaves 5-8 feet tall, and is
7-12 feet in diameter. It has a lifespan of 8-15 years.
Another
well known product of this wonderful plant is Tequila. When fermented
and distilled, the sap of the Blue Agave becomes the world-famous
Mexican spirit.
There are different species of Agave cultivated in Mexico. In the state of Hidalgo, the Agave native to that area is known as Maguey. The fermented sap of the Maguey is used to make "pulque", another alcoholic fermented beverage quite different to tequila.
In the southern state of Oaxaca, the alcoholic beverage obtained from the maguey in that grows in that region is called "Mezcal".
The world famos
spirit Tequila comes from the central state of Jalisco. Only Blue
Agave is used to produce Tequila.
The reason behind this is the characteristic taste of the Blue Weber gives tequila
its unique quality.
The same is true for the Agave Nectar. The best
tasting Nectar comes from the Blue Agave.
This syrup is grown and harvested following
traditional methods by local farmers in Jalisco, Mexico.