Like many historical cultures, the Aztecs worshipped many various 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 in consequence, created tequila (which, in fact, remains to be drunk broadly right this moment).
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 commonly added to smoothies, desserts, muffins, salads, and extra. Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to find out about this deliciously ultra-sweet vegan ingredient, the different sorts out there (what’s blue agave, for instance?), and tips on how to cook dinner with it.
What’s agave nectar?
On the subject of texture and consistency, in its liquid kind, agave nectar (additionally known as agave syrup) has loads 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. This is the reason vegan recipes usually name for agave nectar as a honey substitute. Most agave syrup comes from Jalisco, Mexico, the place agave crops—that are prickly succulents with lengthy leaves—develop in volcanic soil.
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What’s blue agave?
There are a whole bunch of species of agave crops, 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 identify signifies), it’s the one agave plant utilized in tequila manufacturing. However blue agave can be offered 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 keeping 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 larger 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 actual fact). And this can be a good factor, because it means it doesn’t trigger a fast spike in blood sugar after consuming.
However, whereas agave is a good vegan various to honey and is an efficient (and engaging) sweetener, it’s nonetheless vital to keep in mind that it’s not a well being meals, and needs to be consumed in small quantities. It’s because it’s excessive in fructose, a sort of pure sugar that’s significantly exhausting on the liver.
“Regardless of having a low GI worth, agave needs to be handled the identical approach you’d deal with every other sugar—carefully,” vitamin professional Nicole Avena, PhD, informed Actual Easy.
How do you utilize agave?
There’s nothing flawed with having fun with a bit of little bit of agave nectar each every so often. However how do you have to eat it? Nicely, there are numerous, some ways to get the perfect 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 a bit of little bit of sweetness to savory dishes, you’ll be able to even cook dinner with it.
Vegan recipes with agave nectar
If you happen to’ve obtained some agave nectar lingering in your cabinet, listed below are a few of the greatest methods to take pleasure in this scrumptious bee-free honey various.
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 have to 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 attempting it for the primary time, this summer season salad recipe—which options cashew milk yogurt and agave nectar—is assured to carry out the perfect of this distinctive and engaging vegetable.
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Hannah Kaminsky
3 Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt
In the summertime months, arguably one of the simplest ways to chill down is with some scrumptious frozen yogurt. Subsequent time you go to whip up a batch, give this tasty, creamy recipe a attempt. 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 carry pleasure to any who eats them. As a substitute 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 originally of the week and also you gained’t remorse it. Made with agave nectar and barley flour, it’s very best 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.