Like many historic cultures, the Aztecs worshipped many alternative gods and goddesses. Huitzilopochtli, for instance, was the god of the solar and warfare, whereas Tlaloc was the god of rain. And Mayahuel was the fertility goddess of agave, a succulent plant.
Sure, lengthy, lengthy earlier than it grew to become an obsession within the West, and lengthy earlier than colonization, the Aztecs worshipped the agave plant and even drank its juices. When the Spanish arrived, they, too, experimented with agave, and because of this, created tequila (which, in fact, remains to be drunk broadly at present).
However agave isn’t simply present in cocktails and shot glasses all around the world. With a really related consistency to honey, agave nectar is a really efficient sweetener, and so is usually added to smoothies, desserts, desserts, salads, and extra. Right here’s what it’s essential to learn about this deliciously ultra-sweet vegan ingredient, the different sorts out there (what’s blue agave, for instance?), and prepare dinner with it.
What’s agave nectar?
With regards to texture and consistency, in its liquid kind, agave nectar (additionally known as agave syrup) has so much in frequent with honey. However in contrast to the latter—which, in fact, is made by bees—agave is vegan as a result of it comes from a plant. Because of this vegan recipes usually name for agave nectar as a honey substitute. Most agave syrup comes from Jalisco, Mexico, the place agave vegetation—that are prickly succulents with lengthy leaves—develop in volcanic soil.
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What’s blue agave?
There are a whole lot of species of agave vegetation, however two are cultivated and harvested predominantly for consumption: agave tequilana and agave salmiana. The previous can be known as blue agave, and (because the title signifies), it’s the one agave plant utilized in tequila manufacturing. However blue agave can be bought in syrup kind and is broadly thought-about to be the “premium” model of the nectar.
“Not all agave nectars are equal,” notes agave specialists The Tierra Group. “Many agave producers use combined types of agave as a result of they purchase their agave from a number of distributors. This makes it tougher for them to make sure the standard of their product.”
However in line with the group, the Mexican authorities has strict pointers across the manufacturing of agave nectar from blue agave, which ensures its high quality. “This plant generates a premium agave nectar product which is greater in fructose and decrease on the glycemic index than nectar constructed from combined agave,” it continues.
Agave In The Uncooked
Is agave nectar wholesome?
As talked about above, agave does have a low glycemic index (decrease than sugar, honey, and maple syrup, in reality). And it is a good factor, because it means it doesn’t trigger a speedy spike in blood sugar after consuming.
However, whereas agave is a superb vegan different to honey and is an efficient (and attractive) sweetener, it’s nonetheless essential to keep in mind that it isn’t a well being meals, and ought to be consumed in small quantities. It’s because it’s excessive in fructose, a sort of pure sugar that’s notably laborious on the liver.
“Regardless of having a low GI worth, agave ought to be handled the identical approach you’d deal with every other sugar—carefully,” vitamin skilled Nicole Avena, PhD, informed Actual Easy.
How do you utilize agave?
There’s nothing unsuitable with having fun with somewhat little bit of agave nectar each once in a while. However how do you have to eat it? Properly, there are various, some ways to get the very best out of this super-sweet syrup. You may drizzle it over ice cream or oats, add it to milkshakes, smoothies, or cocktails, or, so as to add somewhat little bit of sweetness to savory dishes, you possibly can even prepare dinner with it.
Vegan recipes with agave nectar
In case you’ve obtained some agave nectar lingering in your cabinet, listed here are among the greatest methods to take pleasure in this scrumptious bee-free honey different.
Wes Allison, Stephanie Bogdanich, Molly R. Frisinger, Jessica Morris Vegan Candy Orange Agave Margarita
Plate up the fajitas, it’s time for a Mexican-inspired banquet. And naturally, you’ll must make the last word boozy accompaniment: margaritas. In addition to silver tequila, this recipe requires zesty limes and oranges and an entire tablespoon of sugary candy agave nectar.
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JB Douglas
2 Vegan Kohlrabi Salad
Kohlrabi is a bulb-shaped vegetable that’s candy, crunchy, and refreshing. Whether or not you’re already a fan otherwise you’re making an attempt it for the primary time, this summer season salad recipe—which options cashew milk yogurt and agave nectar—is assured to convey out the very best of this distinctive and attractive vegetable.
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Hannah Kaminsky
3 Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt
In the summertime months, arguably the easiest way to chill down is with some scrumptious frozen yogurt. Subsequent time you go to whip up a batch, give this tasty, creamy recipe a strive. It options half a cup of sunshine agave nectar, soy yogurt, vanilla, and clean peanut butter.
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Shanika Graham-White
4 Glazed Vanilla Doughnut Holes
Whether or not it’s somebody’s birthday otherwise you simply fancy cheering up your week, these vanilla doughnut holes with funfetti sprinkles are assured to convey pleasure to any who eats them. As an alternative of sugar, the doughnut recipe requires half a cup of agave nectar.
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Beverly Lynn Bennett
5 Zucchini Walnut Bread
Sick of banana bread? Bake a batch of this zucchini walnut bread at the start of the week and also you gained’t remorse it. Made with agave nectar and barley flour, it’s ultimate for nutritious, scrumptious breakfasts or as a pick-me-up afternoon snack.
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Rouxbe
6 Greek Lemony Roasted Potatoes
Three tablespoons of agave nectar add a scrumptious contact of sweetness to this tangy, refreshing potato dressing recipe. Serve together with your favourite salad for a filling, tasty, and nutritious spring or summertime dinner.
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Maya A. Howard
7 Black Bean Fudge Brownies
Black beans? In dessert? It would sound odd, however we promise you it really works. Made with agave, quinoa flour, and cacao, these brownies are protein-packed and deliciously addictive.
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Charlotte is a author and editor primarily based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
