Agave Syrup - Raw Organic

What is it?

This Agave is harvested from the Wild Maguey species by the Aztecs in the Ixmiquilpan region of Mexico, where it is known as “El Árbol de Las Maravillas” (the tree of miracles) due to its many uses. The Wild Maguey is central to their culture - they've been harvesting it there for thousands of years. The cultivation and harvesting of Agave in this region contributes greatly to the local economy, preventing the emigration of local men to the U.S. in order to support their families.

Our Agave is processed at below 40ºC using a vacuum evaporator and certified organic vegan enzyme as a catalyst to concentrate the natural sugars into a stable form. It's minimally processed and comes from long-chained fructans, called inulin (that’s inulin, not insulin – a common mistake!). This is why it’s diabetic friendly. Agave Syrup has a low Glycemic Index (GI) score at <30, meaning that it'll give you a long slow release of energy rather than the quick peak and subsequent crash which sugars of a high GI score give you. 

The unfiltered Dark Agave has more minerals than the light filtered version, in addition to a richer, wilder flavour.

How it's used

Agave, which is what we use in all our manufacturing, has beautiful vanilla and cactus notes. As a direct sugar replacement, use 25% less Agave Syrup than the quantity you would normally add. 

It's a delicious sweetener which can be used in a variety of deserts, or even for creating essences. It's particularly delicious when infused with other flavours in its own right; take a look at our recipes section below for further examples of the many creative ways in which Agave can be added to your diet.

How it's processed

Our agave syrup is processed in much the same way that honey is…bees use an enzymatic process to turn pollen into honey, while we use a plant-based vegan certified organic enzyme to do the same thing. What you have to do with any type of fruit-based sweetener is concentrate the sugar so that it doesn’t ferment. We use a low temperature vacuum evaporator to do this. 

We use the Wild Maguey cactus species rather than the Blue Weber variety, which is generally cultivated by large tequila companies. Agave syrup made from the Blue Weber variety is usually cooked, whereas the processing of the wild maguey variety that we use is different…it’s raw.

Nutrition Information

Minimally processed agave provides vitamins, minerals and enzymes that are not found in other processed sweeteners. Our unfiltered Dark Agave syrup has a wide spectrum of minerals and phytonutrients.

Serving Size 10g

Health Benefits

There has been controversy regarding the use and promotion of Agave Syrup as a health food. Agave Nectar, The High Fructose Health Food Fraud, an article written by Rami Nagel, and Beware of the Agave Nectar Health Food Hype by Dr Mercola are the sources of the confusion. The information presented is not an accurate representation of Loving Earth's Agave products. Minimally processed agave provides vitamins, minerals and enzymes that are not found in other processed sweeteners.

Our unfiltered Dark Agave syrup has a wide spectrum of minerals and phytonutrients;  Dr Mercola is erroneous when he states that Dark Agave is burnt. In fact, the light and clear varieties of Agave have undergone filtration, which is why they are lighter in colour. The Dark Agave is unfiltered and richer in minerals, which results in its darker colour.

Unlike high fructose corn syrup that stores its energy as starch, Agave syrup stores its energy as Inulin, also known as Fructans or Levulose. Inulin is typically found in roots or rhizomes. There is no starch in Agave syrup. Inulin bypasses digestion in the stomach and small intestine and is actually digested in the large intestine. Inulin is beneficial in that it feeds the probiotic bacteria in our digestive system. This is absorbed slowly into the bloodstream giving it a low glycemic index. Therefore it is diabetic friendly. It is also the perfect sweetener for children, as it does not significantly raise blood sugar levels, preventing the highs and lows associated with sugar intake and instead provides a sustained, steady source of energy.

Agave syrup is a concentrated cactus juice. Like all concentrated foods, Loving Earth believes that Agave should be consumed in moderation. We believe that Agave syrup is a healthier sweetener alternative compared to cane sugar. When used respectfully, Agave syrup does have health promoting properties. Overconsumption and inappropriately using Agave is what leads to health issues and puts our bodies out of balance. Agave should be used as part of a balanced diet.

Doctor Mercola states that "Agave Nectar as a final product is mostly chemically refined fructose". The sugars in our agave nectar come from the breakdown of the inulin molecule through the introduction of the certified vegan enzyme. It is in no way chemically refined; there are no chemicals involved in any part of the production or packaging process. Our growers do not use any chemicals, ionic resins, sulphuric/hydrochloric acid, dicalite or clarimex in the manufacturing of our Agave syrup. Australian Certified Organic have audited the harvesting and processing of our Agave syrup, and have verified that our Agave syrup is pure and that no chemicals or genetically modified organisms are used. They have also verified that it is harvested sustainably. The only way in which it is refined is that excess moisture is removed from the juice of the plant to prevent fermentation.