Agave

This Article written by a hubpages.com Expert Writer.

A 100% Organic, and Certified Kosher sweetener, that is becoming increasingly more popular in 2009, is agave nectar. Commercially produced in Mexico in Jalisco, Michoucain, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipes. Agave is also grown in the South and Western United States, and Central South America.

This sweetener comes from several species of agave, with popular Blue Agave or Tequila agave, common. Agave contains mostly fructose and glucose, and the percentages of each can vary from one Vendor to another.

The fructose in agave, and the fact the glycemic index only measures glucose levels, tends to lower the glycemic load of agave compared to other sweeteners on the market.

Fructose malabsorption, metabolic syndrome, hypertriglyceridumia, decreased glucose tolerance, hyperinsulinemia, and accelerated uric acid formation, can all be side affects of consuming agave, because of the high percentage of fructose.

Vegans often use agave to replace honey in recipes, and because it dissolves quickly, the nectar is also popularly used to sweeten tea.

Agave is sold in light, amber, dark, and raw varieties. Light agave is mild, (almost neutral flavored), and some times used in delicate tasting foods and drinks. Amber agave has a medium-intensity caramel flavor and is used in stronger-flavored foods because of its stronger caramel taste, and these may include meat, seafood, poultry, and desserts. Amber and dark agave are often used right out of the box as a topping for waffles or pancakes. Raw agave is mild with a neutral taste, produced at temperatures below 118 degrees to protect its neutral enzymes, and is a popular sweetener for Raw Foodists.

Agave is commonly known as the Century Plant because of how long it takes to bloom. Agave only bloom one time. The flowers, leaves, stalks, and sap are all edible. Agave is a succulent, or fat, plant, which means they are water retaining. Agave are closely related to lilies, and not cacti, as commonly mistaken.

The leaves of several agave species produce fiber. Leaf Tea is some times used as a diuretic, and Root Tea is some times used to treat arthritic joints.