Agave nectar is actually a syrup (nectar is really just a marketing term). It comes from the fluid inside the blue agave plant. This is the same plant that is used to make tequila.
What can I substitute for agave nectar in a recipe?
- Honey.
- White sugar.
- Simple syrup. How to make simple syrup.
- Corn syrup.
- Maple syrup.
- Brown rice syrup.
- Molasses.
- Fruit syrup.
How do you get agave nectar?
When the agave plant is 7 to 10 years old, the nectar is harvested from live plant. This process is similar to how maple trees are tapped. The top is cut off, and the core, called the pina, is hollowed out . The cap is then replaced and nectar is allowed to gather in the center for several days.
Why agave nectar is bad for you?
Your body is well equipped to handle the small amounts of fructose found in fruit. Because agave syrup is much higher in fructose than plain sugar, it has greater potential to cause adverse health effects, such as increased belly fat and fatty liver disease.
Is agave nectar the same as agave syrup?
The sweetener commonly sold as agave nectar would be more accurately labeled as agave syrup. It has little in common with the traditional sweetener made historically by people in Mexico. That said, the beginning of its production process is the same. The plant is first cut and pressed to extract the sugary sap.