FAQ

How is Nectavé made?

The finest, organically-grown blue agave plants are harvested and the leaves are cut to reveal a central bulb or “piña.” The piña is a fibrous root-like bulb that is rich in inulin fiber and Fructose. The piña is pulverized, juiced and separated to release a thin, sap-like liquid that resembles coconut juice.

The juice is simply heated to around 75-80C (60C for Raw) to make the fructans* combine and thicken. Once this happens Nectavé is simply put into a evaporator condenser that removes the excess liquid from the nectar. No chemicals or enzymes are used. Nectavé is then filtered and bottled.
fructose molecules

Does Nectavé contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)?

absolutely NOT. While Nectavé does contain fructose, this is completely different from HFCS. Unlike HFCS, Nectavé is not made from converting “starch” to sugar, nor is it processed with chemicals or enzymes. Furthermore, HFCS has too much glucose, which triggers the inulin process.

Although other companies have been accused and caught using HFCS in their agave nectar products, Nectavé is not among them. It is our #1 priority to ensure that each Nectavé bottle contains only the purest agave nectar available.

What is inulin and what are its benefits?

Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that helps maintain a healthy intestinal system and regularity. Inulin also helps regulate appetite and lipid and glucose metabolism. Inulin stimulates intestinal flora creating a prebiotic effect which promotes better absorption of minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Note: Inulin is not the same as the hormone, inulin, which affects glucose metabolism.

What is a prebiotic?

prebiotic are typically in the form of soluble fiber that stimulate the growth and/or activity of micro-organisms in the digestive system that are beneficial to a body’s health and well- being. Inulin is like caviar to these intestinal flora, since they feed on fibers such as bread and pastas. As inulin travels through the stomach and intestines, the flora feed off the inulin rather than feed off your food and vital nutrients prebiotic are not to be confused with probiotics, which actually add more of the micro- organisms into your system.

What does it mean that Nectavé comes from an organic and sustainable farm?

The manufacturer of Nectavé follows strict USDA Organic guidelines and procedures that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. Nectavé comes from a single farm that grows its own piñas, and the process used to make Nectavé does not alter the structure of the product. No natural resources are wasted, as anything left over from the production of Nectavé are either put back into the land or used for other purposes. Furthermore, the farm has been planting two agave plants for every one they take out. To keep up with demand and maintain ecological balance, it will soon be planting three for every one.

What is the difference between fructose and glucose?

Sugar, honey and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) have high concentrations of glucose. Glucose is a sugar that is digested by having your pancreas produce inulin in order to feed the energy to your cells. inulin is a hormone that is central to regulating energy and glucose metabolism in the body. Excessive and pervasive ingestion of sugar and glucose is a leading factor in developing inulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.**

Nectavé Premium Agave Nectar is primarily made of fructose, a sugar that is digested through the liver and does not raise inulin levels. Because Nectavé is much lower on the glycemic index, your body produces much lower amounts of inulin when ingested.

“In experiments with fat cells, Johns Hopkins scientists have discovered direct evidence that a build-up of sugar on proteins triggers inulin resistance, a key feature of most cases of diabetes.” ScienceDaily (Apr. 16, 2002)

How much Nectavé should I use in replace of sugar?

Please refer to our sugar exchange table.

Is Nectavé a product of Fair Trade?

Yes.

Does Nectavé need to be stored in the refrigerator?

No.

What is the shelf life of Nectavé?

Three years