How sweet is it? - Poll results

The results from April's poll are in! I asked what kind of sweetener (if any) folks used to sweeten their teas. I'm surprised by the number of purists - those of you who don't add any sweetener - good for you! Some of you selected "other," such as agave nectar, which I'm currently researching.

Here are the results:

Honey - organic variety or not. 4% I'm old school. Sugar. Cubed. 0% I'm cutting back on calories so it's Splenda or Equal for me.   9%  milk/creamer + sugar. 4% I'm into the sugar crystal craze - amber or white. 13% No sweetener. I’m a purist, baby. 50% Other.  18% Thanks all who voted! Don't forget to stop by and vote in May's poll: Why do you drink tea? Happy Brewing!

Agave Nectar - how sweet is it?

What is this stuff? I keep hearing about agave nectar as a sweetener for tea. I hadn't really heard about it until recently (other than its use in tequila production), but I'm learning it's no fad. I have the world's biggest sweet tooth, so I had to "investigate" this stuff to see what it's all about.

According to http://www.allaboutagave.com/, agave nectar is the sweet stuff found in spiky, cacti-like plants that grow in desert climates, particularly in Southern Mexico. Once an agave has grown to at least seven years old, the plant's leaves are cut off, revealing the pina of the plant - or the core. After harvesting, the pina resembles a huge pineapple and can weigh up to 150 pounds. (Yikes!)

Sap is then extracted from that pina/core, filtered and heated at a low temperature, which melts the carbs into sugars. There is light and dark agave nectars, but both can be made from the same plant.

All About Agave states that the taste is similar to honey. But I want to know from those of you who use agave nectar. What do you think? How does it taste? How would you rate it as a sweetener - for tea or otherwise?

Also, what is the best brand of agave nectar? Got any favorite places to purchase this pina puree?



 

You're So Sweet...

In reviewing the results of the poll so far, I noticed some selecting "other" as their sweetener of choice.. By other, do you mean agave nectar? Or something else entirely?

Those of you who are purists, good for you! I enjoy my tea with Splenda, as I have a keen sugar tooth, and was once a part of the sugar crystal phase. So I'm trying to be better about my tea - for my teeth's sake!

Please post your sweetener preferences below. Just curious by the "other" choice; what am I missing?