Agave: The Plant That Stumps Everyone
Agave has long been subject of debate – is it a fruit or a vegetable? Depending on who you talk to, or which research you read, you’ll get different answers. Let’s take a deeper dive into this tricky plant.
What is Agave?
Agave is a plant that produces a sweet concentrate and generally grows in much of Mexico and into Southwestern parts of the United States. It has sharp leaves that contain a sap that is used to make tequila — accounting for much of its popularity.
Is it a Fruit or Vegetable?
Many people classify agave as a fruit, as it does produce a sweet concentrate that many people consider similar to that of a fruit. On the other hand, many also classify agave as a vegetable, as with its ability to produce a sweet concentrate, there is still a some similarities to vegetables — and its usage in cooking is predominantly as a vegetable.
Here are some key points to consider in the debate:
- Fruit: Agave has a sweet, syrupy concentrate like most fruits, and is often used as an ingredient in food.
- Vegetable: Agave plants have leaves and grow like a vegetable, and products like tequila are made from the sap.
At the end of the day, the answer to the question “is agave a fruit or vegetable?” is up for debate. Ultimately, there is no definite answer – though, regardless of the classification, agave is a versatile and delicious plant!
