The pia is the name given to the blue agave’s heart. And that pia is the same pia as in the pia colada! Probably because tequila is used in the pia colada. Tequila is manufactured from the heart of the blue agave plant, which resembles a pineapple.
When the plant is around a year old, the leaves are clipped to encourage the blue agave’s heart to grow larger. This permits the plant to focus its energy on increasing the size of the heart. A larger heart means more tequila will be produced. When harvested, some can weigh up to 200 pounds.
When a blue agave plant is between the ages of 8 and 14, it is harvested. If you’re making tequila from scratch, you’ll need a lot of patience!
All tequilas in Mexico are required by law to use blue agave plants, the majority of which are grown in Jalisco, Mexico. Other plants can be used, but the blue agave must account for more than half of the formula.
Tequila is a trademark owned by the Mexican government. You’ll need a license from the Mexican government if you wish to create something called tequila. They’ll also require you to adhere to their blue agave guidelines and manufacturing requirements.
Mescal is never tequila, but tequila is always mescal. Mescal can be manufactured from any type of agave plant, including blue agave.
Is agave a giant pineapple?
It all starts with what appears to be a monstrously large pineapple. Blue agaves are big plants that grow mostly in the Jalisco highlands, where 80 percent of Mexico’s blue agave is grown and where the majority of the country’s tequila distilleries are located.
What is agave fruit?
The Asparagaceae family includes the genus Agave. It’s native to Mexico and the Caribbean, among other places in the Americas. Agave nectar is produced by the blue agave plant and Agave americana, often known as maguey or the century plant. This is the same plant used in the production of tequila.
Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that can be used in place of sugar. Because it’s sweeter, you may use less of it to achieve the same impact. It’s a healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners. It’s also vegan, which makes it an appealing alternative to honey for some.
Are pineapples used to make tequila?
The only raw material used in the creation of 100% agave tequila is Tequilana weber blue agave. Because of its resemblance to the tropical fruit, the heart or center of the plant is called mezontle or “pineapple,” and it is the area utilized to manufacture tequila because it is where sugars are concentrated during photosynthesis. Fibrous stalks called “pencas” protect the plant’s heart, or mezontle.
Mezcal overview
- What it is: Mezcal, like tequila, is a Mexican spirit derived from the agave plant. So, while tequila is a form of mezcal, not all mezcal is. Mezcal is created from 50 distinct types of agave plants, but tequila is made from only one species of agave plant (blue agave). Mezcal gets its smokey flavor from roasting the agave in pits in the ground, which gives it a depth and smokiness that tequila lacks.
- What is the flavor of mezcal? Mezcal has a powerful smoky flavor with rich, sweet overtones that linger.
- How much does mezcal set you back? A 750 ml bottle of mezcal costs between $20 to $40 on average, but high-end brands can cost significantly more. Use the lower-cost bottles for cocktails and save the higher-end bottles for sipping.
- Mezcal has a higher alcohol level than tequila, at 55 percent ABV (alcohol by volume).
Tequila overview
- Tequila is a distilled Mexican spirit created from the blue agave plant (agave tequiliana). Tequila is a form of mezcal, which is a spirit manufactured from any agave variety.
- Tequila blanco is an unaged tequila with agave flavors, pepper and citrus overtones, and a spicy finish. Tequila reposado is aged in oak barrels for 2 to 12 months and has a smooth flavor with overtones of wood, vanilla, and caramel. Tequila aejo, which has been matured in oak for 1 to 4 years, has a deeper flavor with overtones of vanilla and cinnamon. Aejo is more commonly consumed straight rather than mixed in cocktails.
- How much does tequila cost? The price of tequila varies greatly depending on how old it is and how good it is. A mid-range 750 ml bottle will set you back $20 to $30, while a high-end bottle would set you back $150. Use the lower-cost tequila for mixed drinks and save the premium tequila for sipping.
Is agave a citrus?
Citrus Agave fragrance oil is a sweet citrus blend that will appeal to fans of the renowned Volcano smell. Top notes of zesty orange and lemon peel lead to a center of vibrant, juicy citrus.
What flavor is agave?
Honey is sweeter and thinner than agave nectar. It comes in light, amber, dark, and raw types, as well as nectar and thick, dark syrup, and its hue ranges from light to dark amber according on the degree of processing. Light agave has a light, almost neutral flavor; amber agave has a medium-intensity caramel flavor; and black agave has a rich, caramel flavor that reminds me of molasses or golden syrup. Because agave nectar is mostly made up of fructose and glucose, it has a lower glycemic load than white sugar and hence has a lower influence on blood sugar.
What does agave smell like?
Tequila is made from the agave plant, which grows throughout Mexico. The nectar is a natural sweetener that can be used in place of sugar and has a somewhat sweet and earthy aroma.
Can babies have agave?
(The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against giving them to children under the age of six.) However, a 2014 study published in JAMA Pediatrics looked into agave nectar, a honey-like substance, and how it assisted infants aged 2 to 47 months when compared to a placebo and nothing.