Agave Syrup (aka Agave Nectar)
August 20, 2008Agave Syrup, aka Agave Nectar….No brand name, Bonnie, but agave syrup is moving into the mainstream and it might be interesting to your readers. It is a sugar sold in syrup form made from the agave plant, same plant that makes tequila. Also, low on glycemic level and high in antioxidants. At the Ranch, we used it almost exclusively, tho some organic brown sugar if people ask. I’ve seen it at Trader Joe’s and some grocieries here on the west. Don’t even know if it’s available mainstream elsewhere, but I bet so.
- Toni Allegra
7 Comments on “Agave Syrup (aka Agave Nectar)”
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Thanks for the suggestion Toni. To our visitors: When Toni mentions the “ranch” she is talking about Rancho La Puerto in Tecate, Mexico — where she directs the cooking school.
Been using Agave Syrup for about 6 months ever since I found out that I was mildly diabetic. It is delicious and a little goes a long way in my morning coffee, etc. Trader Joe’s is my source, and it seems to be sold there very reasonably even when compared to buying it in larger bulk amounts, which I had researched on the net.
I treid this out of curiosity too, and was really amazed at the sweetness with no aftertaste. It’s so nice that it’s all natural as well. The only drawback for me was that I needed to use quite a bit to get the same sweetness in my coffee. The ratio was almost 4-1 for my personal taste. Not a big deal, just a mention. I have yet to see any recipe conversions for its use, but I have not actively searched. I would recommend it for anyone concerned about their sugar usage, or those with high triglycerides.
We’ve been using Agave Syrup for nearly two years, and we love it. When you cook with it, use the same recipe changes you need when using honey, i.e., less water, may need baking soda or other leavening changes, etc.
The sweetness is not the same as white sugar, but over time, say a couple of weeks, your preferences will change and I’m sure you will become accustomed to it. Even my husband and kids, confirmed sweetness lovers, now reach for it rather than the traditional sugar bowl. So I now have it as the primary beverage, cereal, tea sweetening agent on our table.
C Wease
I tried this product at Trader Joes … What a great addition to unsweetened ice tea! Haven’t ventured into other uses, but I will.
I buy Agave in bulk at my local Sunflower market. It is also available at Whole Foods and Vitamin cottage in bottles or in bulk.
I like the low glycemic health benefits of Agave compared to sugar and artificial sweeteners but, it’s a product very high in carbohydrates.