Agave Nectar

This sweetener, from the blue agave plant in Mexico, is probably my favorite sweetener. It is 25% sweeter than sugar, but does not cause blood sugar spikes.

It comes from the same plant as tequila. I never liked alcoholic beverages, except for tequila, so perhaps this spiky plant has more to recommend it than its appearance would indicate.

When the pinons ("pineapples" they call them) are cut off, they then extract a pulp which is heated and which releases the syrup.

I put agave nectar in my tea every morning. It can also be used in baking.

My article about blue agave is at:

Buy Agave Nectar in Bulk and Save

Rooibos Tea

Red bush tea, or rooibos, has become my favorite non-caffeinated tea. I think it tastes best cold, sweetened with agave nectar. But it's refreshing consumed hot as well.

I do wish that, around here, we had the red espresso. The idea of a completely caffeine-free espresso fascinates me.

My hub about red bush tea is at

Rooibos Tea: Holiday Time, Any Time

Rooibos tea has many antioxidants and there are some impressive scientific studies out there, even though most are animal studies.

I can't wait to see how it continues to be marketed in the U.S.