The agave plant is inhabitant to the desert regions of Mexico and the Caribbean. It derives its name from the Greek word ‘Agauos,’ which means ‘Illustrious.’ Agave forms rosette of succulent blue-gray leaves. Depending on the species and growing location, it reaches a height of few centimeters to several meters.
Agave Plant Benefits
1. It’s An Architectural Plant
Agave plants can be a great focal point of any outdoor landscape. You can easily grow them in pots and have them indoors. These desert plants are surely one of the best architectural plants with the power to enhance the curb appeal of any home!
2. It’s A Low Maintenance Plant
Agave is a low maintenance plant, and you can even grow it indoors near a window that receives some sunlight. When grown outdoors, this drought-tolerant succulent doesn’t ask for much water and attention.
Also Read: Best Low Maintenance Plants You Can Grow Indoors
3. Good For Your Bones
Also, according to a study, mice were treated with Agave tequilana for 8 weeks, and it improved their bone health. Learn more about this study at the Harvard University website.
4. Heal Wounds
One of the reasons why Agave americana is also known as American Aloe is due to its topical applications–One study concluded that applying agave extract on minor wounds and burns helps in healing them. The extract was collected from agave leaves using the percolation method.
Also Read: 10 Scientific Aloe Vera Plant Benefits
5. Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Agave contains saponins, which help in lowering cholesterol levels in the body. Low cholesterol levels in the body reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, saponins also prevent the growth of cancerous tumors.
6. Agave In Your Kitchen
Agave stalks and flowers are edible. You can add them to your salad or consume raw or roasted. However, check out USDA certified organic varieties before consumption and make sure what you’re eating is not treated with pesticides.
7. Use As A Substitute For Sugar & Honey
You can use agave syrup as an alternative for regular sugar. It’s 1.5 times sweeter than table sugar. If you are a vegan, then try it in the place of honey.
8. Strengthen Hairs
Agave can also be used to hydrate hair. Mix one tablespoon of agave nectar with any hair mask or add it to your conditioner. It’ll provide shine and strength to your hair and prevent hair loss and work on split ends too.
9. Use In Preparation Of Alcohol
Traditional alcoholic drinks like tequila and mescal from agave tequilana, agave angustifolia, and agave salmiana. The sweet juice from the flower stalk is also used to make Pulque, which is an alcoholic beverage as well.
10. A Multipurpose Plant
The leaves of Agave Americana and Agave Sislana are used in making paper and weaving mats. You can also use the sharp tip of Agave americana as a needle.
Apart from this, you can also try agave for the preparation of soap. The compound in the agave plant, known as saponins, acts as a cleaning agent. It creates lather in the water–just cut leaves or roots and boil them for saponin infused water.
11. Revitalizes Your Skin
The agave nectar contains glycolic acid and necessary antioxidants. It absorbs in the skin quickly and makes it look younger and less oily. It also works on controlling acne and reduces the inflammation of the skin as well.
How To Eat Agave?
There are around 200 species of agave species in existence. Though all varieties are not edible. The main edible varieties of Agave are:
- A. Americana
- A. Attenuata
- A. Tequilana
- A. Salmiana
- A. Angustifolia
Mainly four parts of the agaves are suitable for eating: Flowers, Leaves, Sap and, Basal Rosette.
Agave Flowers taste good after boiling or steaming. Remember to remove the pollen tips before adding in dishes, as they have a bitter taste.
Agave Leaves have a caramel-like flavor that comes after baking or roasting; they contain a high amount of fiber.
Sap or Agua Miel (Honey water) is sweet and slightly bitter. You can also boil it and make syrup.
Basal Rosette of agave plant resembles green pineapple, after trimming of leaves and stalks, it tastes good after roasting.
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