USING AGAVE NECTAR AS SUGAR

Many people use agave nectar as a substitute for sugar. This post explains when and how to make the substitution.

• 1 cup = 960 calories (That is 240 more calories per cup than granulated or brown sugar)
• Chemically agave nectar is 90% fructose.
• Best uses for this sweetener is in smoothies and iced drinks such as tea.
• When substituting for sugar in baking, use only 3/4 cup of agave nectar for every 1 cup of sugar called for in the recipe.  Then reduce the liquid called for in the recipe by 2 tablespoons for each cup of agave substituted for sugar.  You will also need to lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees.  If the recipe calls for baking at 350 degrees, reduce that to 325 degrees.

 This picture is used only because it is a free picture of agave nectar.  This is not an endorsement or nonendorsement of this brand.  One thing I do want to point out though. Many times these products say to use for sugar-free recipes.  Don't be mistaken; agave nectar is a form of sugar!  Agave nectar is marketed as a natural product which it is.  So is sugar and agave nectar is a form of sugar.  It is, however, mostly fructose which is absorbed more slowly by your body and is the type of sugar found naturally in fruit.It is a low-glycemic sweetener.

AGAVE NECTAR

Agave nectar actually has a lower-glycemic index (sugar content) than many other sweeteners.  That makes it excellent for anyone worried about controlling their blood sugar levels.  It can be especially helpful for people who are on chemotherapy who are worried about their blood sugar levels.  Also helpful as a sweetener for anyone receiving steroids that affect their blood sugar.  Agave nectar also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Note: This picture is not meant to endorse a particular brand of Agave Nectar!

USING AGAVE NECTAR AS SUGAR

Continuing on with information on the sugars we use, today's post is about Agave Nectar. 

• 1 cup = 960 calories (That is 240 more calories per cup than granulated or brown sugar)
• Chemically agave nectar is 90% fructose.
• Best uses for this sweetener is in smoothies and iced drinks such as tea.
• When substituting for sugar in baking, use only 3/4 cup of agave nectar for every 1 cup of sugar called for in the recipe.  Then reduce the liquid called for in the recipe by 2 tablespoons for each cup of agave substituted for sugar.  You will also need to lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees.  If the recipe calls for baking at 350 degrees, reduce that to 325 degrees.

 

This picture is used only because it is a free picture of agave nectar.  This is not an endorsement or nonendorsement of this brand.  One thing I do want to point out though. Many times these products say to use for sugar-free recipes.  Don't be mistaken; agave nectar is a form of sugar!  Agave nectar is marketed as a natural product which it is.  So is sugar and agave nectar is a form of sugar.  It is, however, mostly fructose which is absorbed more slowly by your body and is the type of sugar found naturally in fruit.It is a low-glycemic sweetener.