Agave syrup has become fashionable as an alternative to sugar. It's especially recommended for people trying to lose weight and those with diabetes. What's so special about it? It's 1.5 times sweeter than sugar, but has a much lower glycemic index and is perfect for cooking.
Let's take a closer look at this product and see how to use it. Agave syrup, also known as agave nectar, is a sweetener produced in Mexico from certain plants of the agave family. It has a pleasant taste, somewhat reminiscent of diluted honey, but has a lower glycemic index (the average percentage increase in blood glucose levels, measured two to three hours after a meal).
Agave syrup production
Agave is cultivated for 5 to 7 years, as it reaches its maximum sugar content at this age. At that time, it is hand-cut by farmers. The syrup is made from the plant's core, called a piña, because when cut, it resembles a pineapple. Juice rich in inulin is pressed from the agave core. Interestingly, the juice is not yet sweet after pressing. Only when heated does it transform into a sweet nectar, which is then filtered. This simple production method distinguishes agave syrup from other syrups with complex transformation processes, such as corn syrup.
Light or dark agave syrup
Agave syrup is an ingredient that appears in many recipes. It is used in place of sugar or honey.
Depending on the production method, the color of agave syrup can range from light to dark. The syrup's color has no impact on the glycemic index. Both syrups have a low GI.
- Light agave syrup is produced by heating it for a shorter period at a higher temperature. It has a delicate and neutral flavor, making it suitable for delicate dishes and cocktails.
- Dark agave syrup is produced by prolonged heating at a low temperature. It has stronger caramel notes and adds a distinctive flavor to dishes such as some desserts, birds, and intensely flavored dishes like seafood.
Organic Agave Syrup - Dark Organic Agave Syrup - Light
Agave syrup composition
Agave syrup consists of fructose (71% to 85%), glucose (16% to 25%), sucrose (max. 3%), and inulin. Agave syrup does not crystallize over time . It is highly soluble in both hot and cold water, making it suitable for sweetening both hot tea and cold lemonade. It is a popular ingredient in many recipes. It has a long shelf life due to its low water content , which makes it microbiologically stable and can usually be used well beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Agave syrup for health
Organic agave syrup is 1.5 times sweeter than white sugar. This means that to achieve a satisfactory level of sweetness, you only need to use less than commonly used sweeteners. Furthermore, for health-conscious individuals, the nectar contains fiber and inulin, as well as natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium and iron. Agave syrup also has a significantly lower glycemic index compared to white sugar, making it recommended for those watching their weight or suffering from diabetes.
See a comparison of the sweetness of the most popular sweeteners
Agave syrup glycemic index
The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly blood glucose levels rise after consuming a food. Foods with a high GI raise blood glucose levels quickly. Foods with a low GI do not raise blood glucose levels or only slowly.
According to the Brand-Miller classification, agave syrup's glycemic index is considered low. It has a glycemic index of 32.
Below you will find a comparison of the glycemic index values of the most popular sugars.
Is agave syrup vegan?
Agave syrup is a plant-based (vegan) product. Agave syrup contains no ingredients, processes, or derivatives of animal origin. Choosing organic agave syrup also guarantees that the agave used as a raw material has been free from any genetic manipulation or chemical alterations. It also contains no heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, antimony, zinc, iron, and chromium.
What can you prepare with agave syrup?
Sesame bars with agave syrup
What do we need for sesame bars with agave syrup?
Ingredients
- 300 g sesame seeds
- 125 g rice syrup
- 125 g agave syrup
- 50 g chopped nuts
- 2 tablespoons of water
- Vegetable oil for greasing the baking sheet
Organic Unhulled Sesame - Organic Organic Rice Syrup - Organic
Preparation
1. Toast the sesame seeds in a large frying pan without using fat. Pour the rice and agave syrup and water into a pot and heat, stirring vigorously. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 7 minutes, stirring constantly. Skim off any foam that forms during the cooking process and discard it.
2. Towards the end of cooking, add the sesame seeds and chopped nuts. Mix well. Pour the mixture onto a previously oiled baking sheet, about 1 cm thick. Chill and refrigerate until the mixture is thoroughly set. Cut into rectangles with a knife and serve. Instead of nuts, you can also add sliced, skinless almonds to the bars.
Millet cookies with agave syrup
How to prepare millet cookies with agave syrup?
Ingredients
- 125 g chopped almonds
- 50 g agave syrup
- 40 g millet flour
- 25 g nuts
- 200 ml soy cream
Organic Millet Flour - Organic Organic Almonds - Organic
Preparation
- Place the almonds in a heated pan and brown them without adding fat.
- Add millet flour, soy cream, nuts, agave syrup and mix well.
- Bring to a boil and keep over low heat until thickened.
- Using a small spoon, place portions of the dough on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Crush the dough to form a flat cookie.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 160 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Remember that baked goods with syrup brown faster, so it is best to check frequently during baking to make sure the cookies are not over-baked.
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