Agave Nectar Is a Great Liquid Sugar

Agave nectar, also referred to as agave syrup, is made from the agave plant grown in Mexico. Yes, agave plants are the same plants that produce Tequila, but that is where the similarities end between agave nectar and tequila. Agave plants have a relatively high carbohydrate content, making them ideal for creating sweeteners. To produce agave nectar, the leaves of the agave plant are cut off and the sap from the leaves is collected, filtered, and heated at low temperatures. Heating the sap causes the carbohydrated to break down into sugars and agave nectar is formed. Since the agave nectar is heated, people feel agave nectar is not a "raw" sugar, but it is still natural and not processed nearly as much as refined sugar.

Agave nectar, like brown rice syrup, is similar to honey in appearance, but agave nectar has a neutral flavor, is slightly thinner than honey, and it comes in light and dark varieties. Agave nectar is a good substitute for refined sugar because of its low glycemic index. Agave nectar has a lower glycemic index because its sugars are a form of fructose which has one of the lowest glycemic index levels of all the sugars. Because of agave nectar's neutral flavor, it is a great substitute for refined sugar for those who have picky taste buds.

Agave nectar can easily be substituted for liquid sugars in any recipe. Substituting agave nectar for refined sugars isn't an exact science. Like with brown rice syrup, you should use more agave nectar than refined sugar and reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe.

I have personally tried agave nectar in bread pudding and banana pancakes. Each recipe turned out great, and I would never be able to tell that agave nectar was used instead of refined sugar. I am honestly impressed with the qualities of agave nectar and always have some in my kitchen.

It is sweet and healthy, so why don't you try agave nectar.