Like many historical cultures, the Aztecs worshipped many various gods and goddesses. Huitzilopochtli, for instance, was the god of the solar and conflict, whereas Tlaloc was the god of rain. And Mayahuel was the fertility goddess of agave, a succulent plant.
Sure, lengthy, lengthy earlier than it turned 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 consequently, created tequila (which, after all, continues to be drunk broadly immediately).
However agave isn’t simply present in cocktails and shot glasses all around the world. With a really comparable consistency to honey, agave nectar is a really efficient sweetener, and so is commonly added to smoothies, desserts, desserts, salads, and extra. Right here’s what you could learn about this deliciously ultra-sweet vegan ingredient, the different sorts obtainable (what’s blue agave, for instance?), and the way to prepare dinner with it.
How does agave nectar examine to honey?
In the case of texture and consistency, in its liquid kind, agave nectar (additionally referred to as agave syrup) has loads in widespread with honey. However in contrast to the latter—which, after all, is made by bees—agave is vegan as a result of it comes from a plant. For this reason vegan recipes typically 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 lots of of species of agave crops, however two are cultivated and harvested predominantly for consumption: agave tequilana and agave salmiana. The previous can also be referred to as blue agave, and (because the identify signifies), it’s the one agave plant utilized in tequila manufacturing. However blue agave can also be bought in syrup kind and is broadly thought of to be the “premium” model of the nectar.
“Not all agave nectars are equal,” notes agave specialists The Tierra Group. “Many agave producers use blended forms of agave as a result of they purchase their agave from a number of distributors. This makes it harder for them to make sure the standard of their product.”
However based on the group, the Mexican authorities has strict tips 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 produced from blended 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 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 superb vegan various to honey and is an efficient (and attractive) sweetener, it’s nonetheless necessary to do not forget that it isn’t a well being meals, and ought to be consumed in small quantities. It is because it’s excessive in fructose, a sort of pure sugar that’s notably onerous on the liver.
“Regardless of having a low GI worth, agave ought to be handled the identical method you’d deal with every other sugar—carefully,” vitamin skilled Nicole Avena, PhD, informed Actual Easy.
How do you employ agave?
There’s nothing improper with having fun with slightly little bit of agave nectar each from time to time. However how must you eat it? Effectively, there are various, some ways to get the perfect out of this super-sweet syrup. You’ll be able to drizzle it over ice cream or oats, add it to milkshakes, smoothies, or cocktails, or, so as to add slightly little bit of sweetness to savory dishes, you possibly can even prepare dinner with it.
Vegan recipes with agave nectar
Should you’ve obtained some agave nectar lingering in your cabinet, listed here are a few of the greatest methods to get pleasure from this scrumptious bee-free honey various.
Wes Allison, Stephanie Bogdanich, Molly R. Frisinger, Jessica Morris
1 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 final word boozy accompaniment: margaritas. In addition to silver tequila, this recipe requires zesty limes and oranges and a complete 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 deliver out the perfect 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 easy 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 deliver 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 splendid 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’d 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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Eat the Rainbow
8 Dreamy Vegan Cherry Rose Vanilla Iced Latte
Juicy cherries, vanilla, and delicate rosewater come collectively on this creamy iced latte that’s as stunning as it’s refreshing. Naturally sweetened with agave and blended with maca powder, the floral, fruity drink presents a caffeine-free solution to settle down whereas having fun with slightly plant-powered indulgence.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and author primarily based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
