AGAVE NECTAR, not just for hippies.

Aw now c’mon my crunchy friends. Don’t be offended.

I did not grow up eating organic or free range. I had some friends whose parents made their own fruit leather and cranked the Joan Baez, but eating healthy in the late 70’s and 80’s meant eating somewhat boring food.

Everything has changed of course. ‘Organic’ and ‘green’ are the big buzz words. I have never been more aware of what I put into my body, yet I no longer have to sacrifice flavor to eat healthy.

Which brings me to one of my favorite products from Trader Joe’s. I could write an entire blog about how much I love them and how many of their products are staples in my life, but those blogs already exist.

For years I sweetened my coffee, tea and sometimes even my Cheerios with those little chemically processed pink, then blue and finally yellow packets of sugar substitutes. My mother goes through a box a month. I am not a nutritionist or a scientist, but I really don’t think the fake stuff is any good for you (it doesn’t taste very good either). I cannot recall how I discovered Organic Blue Agave nectar, but it is now a staple in my pantry. I put it in my tea, on my yogurt and in my cereal. It is made from the agave plant. Most of you know about agave because it is the same plant used to make tequila. Very different nectars. Cheers to both!

Agave Nectar has a lower glycemic index than sugar, so it is said to be safe for diabetics in moderation. It has a sweet, light and beautiful taste that I can only describe as subtle caramel. It also comes in a raw organic variety, which is more like molasses in color and tastes a bit stronger.

I have friends who bake with it and I would like to experiment with adding it to recipes or glazes that normally require sugar. I have seen it for upwards of $8.99  for a 12 oz bottle, but good old Joe sells it for $2.99!

Give it a try and tell me what you think! Your body will thank you.