What Is Raw Agave?

Raw agave is a sweet nectar collected from the agave plant, the same plant tequila is made from. Agave is sweeter than sugar, but doesn't have a strong flavor like honey. Diabetics often use agave because of its low glycemic value compared to other natural sweeteners.Those on a raw diet prefer to eat raw agave since they believe the nutrients remain intact if a food is not processed or heated. Many vegans prefer agave over honey because it is purely derived from plants while honey is a byproduct of bees. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Agave Compared to Honey

Raw agave is less viscous than honey so it is much easier to pour into hot beverages such as coffee or tea. Agave has a milder taste, but it can be used in replace of honey. Agave's flavor is consistent unlike honey, which can vary since honey can come from a variety of plants. Honey will crystallize, agave has a long shelf life and will never crystallize. Agave has a high fructose level while honey has a low fructose level. Agave has a glycemic index of 32 versus honey's index of 58.

Origins

Most agave is harvested in Mexico. The nectar from the agave plant is reduced into a syrup.

Harvesting Agave Nectar

The top of the agave bud, which is a pineapple-shaped bulb centered in the plant, is cut off. The farmer will hollow out the bud so the nectar will collect in the plant's core. Days later it is scooped out.

Agave Flavors

Light agave has a mild flavor and is preferred for use in hot or cold beverages. The darker, amber agave is more richly flavored and is used for pancakes, baked goods and sauces.

Glycemic Index

Foods with an high glycemic index can raise blood sugar levels. Diabetics, or those following a low glycemic index diet, prefer raw agave over other natural sweeteners because of its low ranking on the index.