In the last couple of years, agave nectar has sprung virtually out of nowhere to appear in natural sodas, liqueurs, baked goods, and cocktails. So what's all the fuss about? Agave nectar (or agave syrup) is a liquid sweetener made from juice extracted out of the core of the agave plant.
This sugar alternative, which is roughly 25 percent water, dissolves easily in cold liquids, and is sweeter than white sugar, yet less processed than refined sugar, and has a healthier glycemic index. It comes in light, amber, dark, and raw varieties.
Light nectar has a delicate, almost neutral taste; amber possesses a caramel color and medium flavor; dark has stronger notes of caramel. Raw nectar is produced at temperatures below 118ºF and contains natural enzymes and a mild taste.
Agave syrup can also be employed to substitute equal parts honey. Unlike honey, agave nectar is vegan, and does not crystallize when stored. When cooking with it, keep in mind that 3/4 cup agave syrup has the sweetening power of 1 cup of cane sugar, and when baking reduce the temperature by 25ºF. Have you been using agave nectar in place of sugar? What's your favorite use for it?
Cath Kidston
I like to use it to sweeten tea and other beverages...
1I've had it at TeaNY
2love it in tea and coffee!
3I use it in coffee and tea, but my favorite is adding it to greek yogurt with sliced almonds.
4I love it in my roasted green tea! YUM!
5I've heard of it, but I've never tried it yet. I'm curious about it though...it sounds like it would probably be pretty good tasting.
6I've heard of it and I've considered using it in my cooking. I just don't know how it reacts and I'm a little hesitant about experimenting. Maybe I should bit the bullet and just do it.
7i put it in my tea, coffee, & my grainy peanut butter toast to slightly sweeten it.
8I must be the only person to dislike this. I've tried it in tea, coffee, on yogurt, etc., and just do not like the taste of it. Bleugh.
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