Since I posted a recipe for Gluten Free, Wheat Free Meyer Lemon Muffins with Cranberries on our facebook page last week, http://www.facebook.com/toothsomesweets, I’ve received several inquiries regarding agave nectar. The questions are similar like “what is it ” and “where do I buy it”?
The good news is agave nectar is a delicious, healthy alternative to sugar. I bake with it when I need to use a sweetener because it holds up well during the baking process and it does not substantially raise Glycemic Index levels for those who need to watch their diet.
I happen to be using Trader Joe’s Organic Agave Sweetener at the moment because they have a store convenient for me. I use the light blue variety, as opposed to the dark blue one, as it has a more neutral flavor and is pretty close in taste to table sugar when added to baked products.
Trader Joe's Organic Blue Agave Sweetener
I put a drop in my tea too and my oatmeal… it’s very versatile. Buying it in 11.75 oz bottles, however, is not the most economical way to purchase it if you plan to use it frequently. I learned from another baker that you can buy agave nectar by the gallon with a pump to go with it! Now that sounds more promising than running to TJ’s every week to stock up. The brand is Madhava; she said it is very highly rated for purity and has a Glycemic Index level below 40. You can buy it here: http://www.wholeandnatural.com/servlet/the-Sugars-cln-Agave/Categories?gclid=CP6Owb7y6J8CFSgtawodjH31Gg
So that’s the “skinny” on Agave Nectar. I suggest you buy some and try it out for yourself. Who knows, one day you might need to borrow a cup of it from your neighbor instead of sugar.
Enjoy! And thank you for your questions!
