Description
Agave syrup is often substituted for sugar or honey in recipes. Vegans in particular commonly use agave syrup to replace honey in recipes. It is also used as a sweetener for cold beverages such as iced tea because it can dissolve quickly.
Agave nectars are sold in light, amber, dark, and raw varieties.
Light agave nectar has a mild, almost neutral flavor, and is therefore sometimes used in delicate tasting foods and drinks.
Amber agave nectar has a medium-intensity caramel flavor, and is therefore used in foods and drinks with stronger flavors.
Dark agave nectar has stronger caramel notes, and imparts a distinct flavor to dishes, such as some desserts, poultry, meat, and seafood dishes. Both amber and dark agave nectar are sometimes used “straight out of the bottle” as a topping for pancakes and waffles. Raw agave nectar also has a mild, neutral taste. It is produced at temperatures below 118 degrees F to protect the natural enzymes, so this variety is an appropriate sweetener for raw foodists.