Uses of the Agave I learned in Mexico

Agave tequilana  -  Tequila agave

Agave azul (Blue Agave) are used in the production of tequila.  While we were in Mexico as Exchange Teachers we spent one morning learning all the uses of this magnificent plants and then were treated to a tasting .  From Pulque, Mezcal,  to several different batches of Tequila and finishing off with Tequila Slammers which are made with fresh Lime juice and Fresca.  You would not have guessed being teacher was so rewarding!  LOL

Four major parts of the agave are edible: the flowers, the leaves, the stalks or basal rosettes, and the sap (called aguamiel-honey water). (Davidson 1999)

• Each agave plant will produce several pounds of edible flowers during the summer.
• The leaves may be collected in winter and spring, when the plants are rich in sap, for eating.

• The stalks, which are ready during the summer, before the blossom, weigh several pounds each. Roasted, they are sweet, like molasses.

• During the development of the inflorescence there is a rush of sap to the base of the young flower stalk. In the case of A. americana and other species, this is used in Mexico and Mesoamerica in the production of the beverage pulque.
• The flower shoot is cut out and the sap collected and subsequently fermented. By distillation, a spirit called mezcal is prepared; one of the most well-known forms of mezcal is tequila. In 2001 the Mexican Government and European Union agreed the classification of tequila and its categories. 100% Blue Agave Tequila must be made from the Weber Blue Agave plant, to rigorous specifications and only in certain Mexican states.   ( And we were privilaged to particiipate and see how thi s all worked.
• The leaves yield fiber: for instance, Agave rigida var. sisalana, Sisal hemp, Agave decipiens, False Sisal Hemp. Agave americana is the source of pita fiber and is used as a fiber plant in Mexico, the West Indies and southern Europe.

• When dried and cut in slices, the flowering stem forms natural razor strops, and the expressed juice of the leaves will lather in water like soap and the peeled leaves become paper. He actually wrote his phone number on this paper and gave it to all of the ladies present.  LOL
• The Natives of Mexico used the agave to make pens, nails and needles, as well as string to sew and make weavings. ( We brought home a beautiful tablecloth that was made by the Native People who was hosting us.) The last photo below has the needle he pulled out og the center of the plant and then threaded it with the fibers he got from the plant.

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• Agave syrup (also called agave nectar) is used as an alternative to sugar in cooking.  ( I know prefer it and look for  this in stores)
• When dried out, the stalks can be used to make didgeridoos

Since this plant was so educational I just had to bring out my Flat Stnleys who were travling with me.