How to Store Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that comes from the agave plant, the desert plant that is also used to make tequila. Agave nectar is sometimes used in place of sugar or honey as it has a neutral flavor with a low glycemic index rating. Vegans appreciate that it doesn't come from bees. Many raw food enthusiasts use agave nectar in their diet it is processed at a very low temperature, making it technically a raw food.
Buy agave nectar at your local natural or health food store. It may be labeled as agave syrup. If the agave nectar is in a sterile squeeze bottle, it is fine to use from that bottle. If you have to purchase agave nectar in bulk, you must store it properly.
- Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that comes from the agave plant, the desert plant that is also used to make tequila.
- If the agave nectar is in a sterile squeeze bottle, it is fine to use from that bottle.
Transfer the agave nectar to a sterile, air-tight glass jar, ensuring any spills are wiped off the sides of the jar. Like any sweet food, agave nectar can attract ants if not cleaned up.
Store the agave nectar in a cool, dry place. Depending on the temperature of your home, a cool dry place could be the kitchen counter or in a cupboard. Agave nectar can be stored in the refrigerator, if desired.
Store the agave nectar in this manner indefinitely. It can last for more than a year, like honey, but does not crystalize like honey.
- Transfer the agave nectar to a sterile, air-tight glass jar, ensuring any spills are wiped off the sides of the jar.
- Like any sweet food, agave nectar can attract ants if not cleaned up.
Harvest Agave Nectar
Although an agave plant is cactus-like it belongs with the same family of Lilies and Aloes, and is of the family of Agavaceae. However, the countless beneficial qualities of the agave nectar makes it worthwhile to harvest. Identify the madre(mother) among the agave plants. The madre or mother is the mature agave plant from where nectar is to be harvested. The madre agave plants have already reached the height of about seven to 12 feet. Cut from the bottom of the leaf all the way up to the tip. Do this to all the leaves that you will come in contact with as you get your way to the center of the plant. Do not try to pull it with your hands. As you peel leaves from the center you will then find a long white stalk called as Corazon or heart. Pull it towards you and set that aside. It weighs about 36 to 75 kilos. Use the machete to take the hard surface of the base. Wait until the juice or nectar comes out from the hole. As you transfer the nectar to a bucket or a container use the strainer to filter the nectar.
- Although an agave plant is cactus-like it belongs with the same family of Lilies and Aloes, and is of the family of Agavaceae.
- The madre or mother is the mature agave plant from where nectar is to be harvested.
