Tips for Using Agave Nectar

It's popular and tasty! Agave nectar is the latest trend in natural sweeteners. If you haven't tried it yet, it's worth a taste. If you are unsure what it is, don't know where to get it, or are clueless when it comes to cooking or baking with agave nectar, you will find several tips here.

What does agave nectar taste like?

Agave nectar has a very light flavor and tastes like a mixture between mild honey, corn syrup, and maple syrup. Available in varieties that range from light to dark amber, the light varieties are almost tasteless, and the dark varieties taste like a mild molasses. Similar to honey, agave nectar is a liquid sweetener, but it's a bit thinner than honey.

Where does agave nectar come from?

Agave nectar is a natural alternative to refined sugar. It comes from the agave cactus, native to Mexico. It's vegan, and in its processing, no chemicals are added. You can also purchase agave nectar raw or organic. And there's no need to worry about crystallization; it won't crystallize like honey.

Where do you use agave nectar?

You can use agave nectar on waffles or cereal, in quick breads, or in hot and cold beverages. Just about anywhere you can use honey, you can use agave nectar. Just about anywhere you can use sugar, you can substitute agave nectar and adjust for the liquid.

Where can you get agave nectar?

Typically, agave nectar is expensive. You can often find the sweetener at your local grocery store in the nutrition section. And agave nectar is available in most health food stores. But if you're fortunate to live near a Trader Joes, you might be able to buy a 12 ounce bottle for about four dollars.

How does agave nectar measure?

Agave nectar measures like honey, but it may seem less sticky in the cup. Many cooks find it to be more water-soluble than other liquid sweeteners.

What is agave nectar's sweetening strength?

Agave nectar is about 1 ½ times as sweet as sugar, so less can be used when substituting agave nectar for processed sugar. You use agave nectar as you would syrup, honey, or maple syrup. It pours easily and is light in texture. The standard equivalent is to use ¾ cup agave nectar to one cup sugar, then decrease liquid in the recipe by ¼ cup.

What are the benefits of using agave nectar?

Agave nectar is a low-glycemic sweetener. This means it will not cause that spike in blood sugar levels like granulated sugar. But it's not calorie-free. There are about 20 calories per teaspoon. Like the natural sweetener found in fruit, agave nectar is about 90% fructose. The body processes it more slowly, giving a steady supply of energy, without significant elevation in blood sugar levels.

How does agave nectar bake?

When baking with agave nectar, you do need to remember to lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees. Like honey, agave nectar burns easily. Watch your baked products for over-browning. You might also expect your cookies to be more cake-like and less crispy.

Where do you begin using agave nectar?

As you begin to experiment with agave nectar, find recipes that call for honey, and begin by substituting agave nectar in those recipes first. Once you get the feel for the ingredient, you can branch out and create or modify your own recipes using agave nectar.