Agave juice drink. Agave Pulque

The blue agave (Agave azul) is famous for being used to make a favorite of many. alcoholic drink- tequila, how she got hers Latin name- Agave tequilana. In the wild, it grows in the west of Mexico, preferring a dry tropical climate and soils with a high content of sand. It has typical agave long, arrow-shaped leaves of soft blue color. It blooms upon reaching the age of five, and quickly dies off after the seeds ripen.

Blue agave photo

The leader in the industrial cultivation of tequila agave is Mexico, especially the state of Jalisco, where almost all plantations belong to agave, and its cultivation and collection have already become part of the life of the local population. In the twelfth year of growth, juice is extracted by special methods, from which, in addition to tequila, some other national Mexican drinks are also produced. Due to its special connection with Mexican culture, this variety is sometimes referred to as Mexican agave, however biological science this species is unknown.

Blue agave video

Despite being attractive appearance and deep connection with human life, agave tequila is not widely used as a houseplant, although it can sometimes be grown in greenhouses.

The fact is that it usually reaches a very impressive size, its leaves grow more than two meters long, and flowering shoot- more than five. At the same time, sharp spines also appear at the end of the leaves, which, however, is also characteristic of some other species.

Agave bloom is an incredible, delightful sight, but even its wild representatives give only one inflorescence in a lifetime. At home, you can rarely see her flower. And this applies to almost all varieties. Nevertheless, some species have taken their rightful place in greenhouses and on the window sills of exotic lovers.

photo of blue agave

American agave (Agave americana) can be grown in room culture, although more often it is recommended to place it in a greenhouse or open ground. In regions with a warm climate, she feels great under open sky. Sockets can reach large sizes - up to two and a half meters wide and two meters high. A typical representative of the species has large, hard, juicy leaves, narrowed upwards, of a dull green color. The edges are equipped with sharp spikes, and the top ends with a hard thorn.

Apart from typical view There are six other varieties:

• american agave marginata is different yellow stripes along the edge of the sheet;
• mediopict is characterized by a wide band cream color in the center of the sheet;
• mediapicta Alba has a white stripe in the center;
• mediapicta aurea, on the contrary, the central stripe is yellow;
• striata has several yellow or white stripes along the leaves;
• in variegata, the sharp edges of the leaves are painted white.

In the photo, American agave

These shapes are twice as small typical representative American agave. Also sometimes at some distance from the parent plant appear side shoots growing from the base, or root offspring.

This type is also used in traditional medicine in many countries against rheumatism and similar diseases. It is cultivated in many regions with a warm climate from Central America to the Mediterranean, the Black Sea subtropics and even India. In addition, the Chinese isolated substances from the American agave that are part of the group of contraceptives.

The Queen Victoria agave (Agave victoriae-reginae) was named, as its name suggests, after Queen Victoria of England. And she really has a truly royal appearance. Adult specimens are considered the most attractive of all species. It has elongated hard triangular leaves with a white border. Color - from light green to saturated bright dark green. White lines are obliquely located on both sides, which gives the plant a special pattern and charm.

Pictured is Queen Victoria's agave

In addition to its beauty, this queen among agaves is convenient for growing at home and for its size. The diameter of typical plants ranges from 35 to 50 centimeters, although in some cases the width of the rosette can reach 60 centimeters. The end of each leaf is equipped with a spine 1-2 cm long, and a couple of shorter ones are usually located nearby.

Agave Queen Victoria is quite resistant to cold, withstands short-term frosts down to -7, so it is used as a decorative addition to garden compositions in some countries with a rather harsh climate. True, while in winter it is recommended to keep it in heated glass greenhouses.

Gardeners' favorite filamentous agave

Agave filifera (Agave filifera) is perhaps the most popular variety of agave among lovers of Mexican exotics at home. Another common name is filamentous agave. Its striking feature is the presence of separating dry fibers along the edges of the leaves, resembling small threads, thanks to which this culture, popular among flower growers, got its name.

Video about room agave

This species is characterized by narrow, up to 2-4 cm wide, dull green leaves, bordered by a white strip along the entire perimeter of the leaf. Plants located in the center and elongated leaves often grow up to 30 cm. A loose rosette reaches a diameter of 50-60 cm. Despite its size, this agave representative fits perfectly into the overall composition of indoor plants and looks quite harmonious and compact even on the windowsill.

In summer, sometimes filamentous agave can be safely grown on garden plots even under conditions temperate climate However, in winter it should be brought home. She does not tolerate severe Russian frosts. Interesting fact- in 2013, this type of agave received the award of the Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain, which means that given plant recommended for breeding.

There are many authentic, bright people in the world National character, types of alcohol. These include a drink made from agave juice. More specifically, drinks. There are four types of spirits in this family. The most popular on a global scale, of course, is tequila. But in recent times international fame is gained (and quite deservedly) by its progenitor - mezcal. The third "relative" of the agave, exquisite sotol - little known. And pulque is the oldest drink.

Let's start with pulque

This drink made from agave juice has a strength of only 2 to 8%. At one time it was very popular in Mexico. It is obtained from the juice (the type of agave is American or Mageya, but it can be made from 6 types of plants). On the territory of Mesoamerica, such mash has been made since time immemorial. According to researchers, for more than 1000 years. Agave Pulque white shade with milk, viscous consistency, sour taste of yeast. The history of production goes back to pre-Columbian times: in Mesoamerica it was considered ritual, and only a limited circle (mainly priests) could use pulque. After the conquest of Mexico by the conquistadors, the drink became available to all people, and its use became larger. This agave juice drink reached its peak of popularity in the late 19th century. Then its distribution area began to narrow. Agave pulque began to give way to beer and other drinks brought from Europe and already made in America. In addition, the ritual moment disappeared (with the general Christianization of the local population).

agave tequila

Unlike pulque, this is a strong alcoholic drink that is traditionally made in Mexico by fermenting and distilling blue agave juice. The main raw material in the production of this drink is a certain type of agave (blue or Agave tequilana), from the agave family. This is a large plant with a short and thick stem and a rosette of fleshy foliage. Produced in the state of Jalisco most tequila. This plateau is located at an altitude of more than two kilometers above sea level. Regarding the most suitable places for growing agave, there are different points vision and from its manufacturers themselves. Some believe that the best grows on extinct volcanoes, others - on the highlands, where it is larger.

How are they prepared?

Tequila is Mexican vodka. The technology of its manufacture is as follows. Just before flowering, when the plant accumulates a large number of starch and sugar, the leaves are cut off from the agave, and then the core is removed from the stem, called pinot (Spanish for "cone"). It is powerful, usually weighing over 50 kilograms or more (some even 100). Pinot is processed, crushed, pressed, squeezed juice. Some manufacturers also add sugar to the raw materials obtained. The juice ferments for several days. Fermentation previously used natural yeast living on agave leaves, and now almost all companies introduce yeast cultures.

A double distillation is used, and then alcohol of 55% strength is obtained. For the production of Mexican vodka, the average fraction of the resulting distillate is taken. The drink is diluted with spring (as an option - distilled) water to a strength of 40 ° C, then directed to bottling (exposure is the most popular option). According to the law, only that drink, for the preparation of which more than 50 percent of the distillate of tequila agave juice was taken, should be called a Mexican drink made from agave juice (tequila). In this case, the bottle will be labeled 100% Blue Agave.

Types of tequila

The drink is of the following types:

1. Silver - white, bottled immediately after distillation.
2. Joven - young, not aged, as a rule, flavored or tinted with color.
3. Gold is a golden, young variety, tinted with an infusion of oak shavings.
4. Reposado - rested. Aged for up to a year in oak barrels and has already acquired a shade of gold.
5. Anejo - old tequila, aged. Terms - from 3 to 10 years, as a rule, no more than seven. It is not recommended to keep the drink in barrels longer, as it acquires bitterness.

Law is law!

According to the law of Mexico (adopted in the name of a drink made in this country (the states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas) according to the original technology. On the labels of bottles with real tequila, there must be inscriptions with the permission of the Mexican government to use the name. And a drink made from 100% agave juice must be bottled only in Mexico, with the appropriate inscription on the label: "Made in Mexico".

Method of use

Traditionally, locals drink the drink from small, tall and narrow cups, affectionately nicknamed "horse". The glass is filled, and next to it they put salt on a saucer and a quarter of a lime (its bitter and sour taste is ideally combined with a Mexican strong drink). Sprinkle some salt on thumb into the recess, squeeze a drop of lime juice on it, lick it all off and drink the contents of the container in one gulp, then have a bite with a lime (it is permissible in our conditions to replace it with a lemon).

Mexicans sometimes accompany the ritual of drinking tequila with the use of cold sangrita, made on the basis of red orange and lime juices, tomato juice, and hot peppers.

Another way: serve tequila with tonic. It is necessary to close the glass with the palm of your hand and hit it sharply on the table (this action causes the drink to bubble), after which the mixture is drunk in one gulp. The method is known in the Russian Federation under the name "tequila boom". A little about temperature. It is customary to drink the drink moderately chilled.

Mescal

This is a strong alcoholic drink that is made in Mexico from fermented agave juice. The raw material, as well as the way it is made, is generally the same as traditional Mexican tequila. Only the core of the agave stems, which is used to distill mezcal, is first baked in conical pit ovens. Agave stems are laid across the coals, covered with layers of palm fiber, and kept for several days. This ancient method gives the drink a smoky flavor. Another difference from the preparation of tequila: mezcal is made from natural juice and no added sugar. Such an authentic drink is created in small private factories. Usually its strength is 43 ° C. It has a strong taste with aroma, more pronounced than that of tequila. There are many types of drink, distinguished by taste and aroma, as well as colors.

How to use?

Mezcal is bottled in a specially shaped bottle. Bags of salt are tied to the neck of some brands, which is mixed with dried, pounded caterpillars (insects live inside the stems of the plant). Salt is intended for the "correct" drinking. An alcoholized caterpillar (Bombix agavis butterfly larva) can be placed in the bottle itself. In life, it has a reddish tint, but in the drink it becomes colorless. Mezcal is drunk in the same way as tequila, but when drinking "vodka on a worm", the caterpillar is divided equally among all participants.

Sotol

In addition to the well-known tequila with mezcal in the world, there are Alternative option alcohol made from the sap of the agave plant. Sotol, due to the specific region of its origin, is not very popular in his homeland - in Mexico. It is produced in the northern regions of Chihuahua. This is a beautiful mountainous area. Here is a canyon that is 8 times the size of the Grand Canyon in the United States. The name "sotol" comes from the name of the agave variety from which the drink is made. This species grows in cool climates, and can be cultivated high in the mountains. And this agave ripens longer. Local residents of the region call the variety, as well as the drink obtained from it, "sotol". And it is not diluted with alcohols, which are obtained from other varieties of agave.

The plant is perennial, tall, fleshy, shaped like a rose, noble bluish or greenish-gray in color, with hard leathery leaves collected in a basal rosette, covered with wax and with thorns at the end. Can reach 2 m in height.

Agave life span - 15 years, at the end of her life, she throws out a beautiful, similar to an ear or panicle, peduncle up to 10 m tall (if it is a plant in open ground). Its flowering can last from 2 to 3 months, agave blooms in small yellow flowers(about whether the agave blooms and how it happens is described here). After that, the plant dies. Therefore, in agriculture agave is not allowed to bloom: the peduncle is removed and planted, it takes root and gives life to a new plant - its own clone.

For indoor breeding, they are bred with a small diameter and height, and this agave blooms much more often - once every 5 or 8 years.

A photo

Below you will see a photo of the blue agave:

What is obtained from the fetus?

Many types of agaves are used in the industry for the production of coarse textile fibers, but the blue agave has gained worldwide fame due to the fact that its juice serves as a raw material for the production of alcoholic beverages: mezcal, pulque and the famous tequila. Therefore, the additional name of the blue agave is tequila.

How long does agave grow for tequila? Harvesting for further production of tequila is carried out only in the 12th year of the plant's life. In production, the agave fruit is used, from which all leaves and roots are pre-cut; its weight reaches 70 kg. The fruit is cut into two or four pieces, depending on its size, and boiled, and fermented juice is processed into tequila. The smell of the juice is slightly tart and sweetish, like that of tequila itself, and it tastes like honey. At the same time, the juice has a low glycemic index.

For a long time, the natives considered this plant useless. According to various legends, it was the gods who pointed out to people the beneficial properties of the blue agave and taught them how to make delicious juice from it, from which in ancient times they made a low-alcohol drink pulque, which was used for ritual purposes.

And in the middle of the 18th century, the juice began to be distilled and turned into strong alcohol. It was this drink that glorified a place called Tequila, in the state of Jalisco, to the whole world, there was also a ritual of drinking - with salt and a piece of lime. On a bottle of tequila from the blue agave plant, 100% agave must be indicated, and the inscription Hecho en Mexico indicates that inside is a product of traditional unabridged production.

Is this plant related to cactus?

Agave cactus or not? The thorns at the tips of the leaves may mislead some about the agave being a cactus. In fact, these plants have only one thing in common: they are both succulents, that is, they are able to accumulate water. Most plants growing in hot and arid climates have this ability, regardless of genus and family. Most desert plants are very succulent for this reason. But nonetheless, agave is not a cactus and is not a tree.

The differences between agave and cactus and aloe are described in.

Growing and breeding at home

seeds

The plant produces seeds once in its life: before death., after which its life cycle is terminated. Seeds are contained in a tall peduncle. They are sown at the end of winter directly into the ground at a temperature environment not lower than +22 o C and covered with polyethylene. In a week, the first shoots will appear. When they grow five leaves, you can dive them into separate pots.

Attention: indoor agave blooms in isolated cases, and agave seeds from Mexican tequila fields are not suitable for apartment conditions, so you need to deal with this issue only in specialized flower shops.

babes

If it was not possible to find and germinate seeds, then it is possible to plant agave babies or lateral offspring.

Young plants are separated from the parent sharp knife and dried for two hours, then planted in the ground.

It is better to do this in May-July. There is no need to create a greenhouse effect, but In order for the plant to take root better, it must be watered moderately..

Too small offspring for agave propagation are not used, they should form their own root system.

leaf

A leaf is suitable for propagation of an agave only if it is rooted.. Many succulents have the ability to propagate with leaves, but the presence of roots is necessary, otherwise the shoot will simply dry out in the ground. It can take root both in water and in moist soil.

peduncle

At the beginning of flowering, as soon as a small stem of the peduncle is formed, you can separate it and use it to propagate the agave. It will take root and live its full life, and the mother plant will be saved. But in the conditions of Russia, agave blooms extremely rarely, at about 10 years of age, so it makes no sense to wait for the material for planting this flower.

In addition, from such a transplant, the breeding qualities of the agave deteriorate, since pollination does not occur, and the new plant is a clone.

Features of care

For this plant it is important to comply with the following conditions:

• lighting: bright, with a lack of natural - artificial;
• temperature: south facing, batteries available central heating either a hot climate, in winter a temperature of 6-8 degrees of heat is allowed, but frosts should be excluded;
• watering: agave should be watered rarely, but plentifully - once a week is enough in summer, once a month in winter;
• ventilation: regular;
• top dressing: best granular, and no more than once a season - agave absorbs very slowly useful material, and it is also very important not to allow a large amount of nitrogenous compounds in fertilizers;
• soil: sandy, calcareous, with abundant addition of drainage, pH close to alkaline;
• pot - wide, but not deep, preferably unglazed ceramic;
• transplantation - by transshipment, for young plants annually, for adults - once every three years, the root neck should always remain on the surface of the earth.

Important: do not spray the agave and allow water to enter the outlet, this will cause rotting of the roots. On the contrary, it is highly desirable to dust the agave leaves to improve photosynthesis. It is better to water the agave in the pan.

perennial flowering

As already mentioned, this plant blooms magnificently and beautifully, but only once: before death. If the agave does not bloom, then it has not reached the right age.. It makes no sense to achieve flowering, it will still bloom at the right time, if the conditions of existence suit it, and flowering will last for a long time, up to 3 months, you will not be able to miss this spectacle.

Read more about agave flowering.

Conclusion

Agave - quite unpretentious and very ornamental plant. Having created living conditions for him close to the usual, the owners will rejoice at his presence in the house for more than one year.

And gava, which has become widespread as a medicinal and ornamental plant, comes from Mexico. There are about three hundred varieties that differ in appearance and properties. Grows outdoors in Central and South America and on the Black Sea coast. Agave juice is used as a raw material for the manufacture of medicines, syrups, and alcoholic beverages. In modern pharmacology, the healing substances contained in it are used to create a wide range of medicines.

The plant belongs to the genus of succulents and is able to accumulate water, without watering for a long time. The stem is completely absent or shortened. The xiphoid leaves are dense, leathery, covered with a wax coating, ending in a sharp thorn, at the root are collected in a rosette. There are also thorns along the edges. Color from deep green to bluish blue. A number of varieties have a bright yellow border along the leaf or light streak in the center.

In nature, agave blooms only once, at the end life cycle, throwing out an arrow-shaped stem densely strewn with buds, reaching a height of 10-12 meters.

The number of flowers is 4-7 thousand. After that, the plant fades, young shoots are subsequently formed from the preserved root part.

Dwarf varieties of agave are kept as houseplants, completely not inferior to brothers in terms of medicinal properties. They are unpretentious in care, but need an abundance of light and high-quality drainage. In the summer, it is recommended to take the agave outdoors, in the winter - to compensate for the lack of sun artificial lighting. Flowering at home is extremely rare.

Chemical composition

The plant contains a number of useful substances:

• Potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, iron;
• sodium, calcium, selenium, zinc;
• amino acids;
• vitamins of groups A, B, C, E, K;
• inulin, saponins;
• essential oils.

Dinordrin and anordrin included in the composition of the agave are natural contraceptive substances, on the basis of which Chinese scientists are developing a new generation of contraceptives. Inulin reduces appetite, lowers cholesterol and helps to cope with the problem of excess weight.

Carbohydrates in agave are 85–95% fructose, and syrup from the juice of the plant is used as a sweetener approved for use by patients with diabetes second type.

Application area

The Indian tribes were the first to appreciate the wonderful qualities of the plant, even before the start new era those who have learned to use it to treat wounds, burns, and relieve pain. Due to its rich composition, agave has a wide range of useful properties. The plant serves as the basis for the preparation of wines and soft drinks. Agave syrup has found wide use in cooking: it is one and a half times sweeter than sugar, lends itself to yeast fermentation, completely dissolves in liquid, without changing the texture and smell of baking. The aroma of honey and caramel gives desserts and cocktails a delicate taste.

AT pure form nectar is used to soak cakes, wafers and as a topping for ice cream and muesli.

What else is useful agave

The plant has become a universal raw material for a mass of medicinal products and cosmetic preparations. Placed on the windowsill in the room, it scares harmful insects vexing on summer nights.

ethnoscience

Agave juice is used to make medicinal formulations in the fight against colds, coughs, diseases of the stomach, bronchi, lungs. Rubbing tinctures are made from it, which help in the treatment of sciatica, sciatica, and arthritis.

When taking decoctions and elixirs inside, minerals and trace elements improve metabolic processes, optimize bowel function, remove excess liquid, increase the tone of the body.

Agave leaves, which have reached the age of three, accelerate tissue regeneration in case of bruises, burns, inflammation, relieve swelling after insect bites. However, use herbal remedies need with caution, given the contraindications. It is advisable to consult with your doctor first.

Cosmetology

The substances contained in the juice and pulp of the agave soften and moisturize the skin, improve elasticity. To get an even, golden tan, the moisture freshly squeezed from the leaves is diluted with distilled water and evenly applied to the body. To fight age age spots use a scrub of boiled rice, lemon and agave syrup. The components are crushed in a blender and rubbed into the skin of the hands with soft massage movements.

Useful qualities of the plant

Medicinal properties room agave identical to the wild and domesticated species native to Mexico:

• fights inflammatory processes;
• has an antibacterial effect;
• removes excess fluid from the body;
• has a laxative effect;
• stimulates the regeneration of damaged tissues;
• normalizes intestinal peristalsis;
• relieves itching and pain after insect bites;
• lowers the temperature
• facilitates the discharge of sputum when coughing;
• optimizes metabolic processes;
• has a calming effect.

Blue agave juice is useful for gastroenterological pathologies, colitis, but American varieties are traditionally grown at home, compact, easy to care for and have a wider spectrum of action.

In what form is it used

The leaves of the plant are used in cooking for baking and adding to salads, the stems are boiled and fried, and alcoholic drinks are made from the juice. Agave syrup is used as a base for desserts and serves as a sweetener. When consumed in moderation, the use of this sweetener will help maintain normal blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and fight excess weight.

Excess fructose will lead to the appearance of body fat, so it is not recommended to exceed the daily dose - 2-3 teaspoons of nectar.

Agave recipes

The medicinal properties of the plant were used by the Aztecs and Incas. The composition, rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals, ensures the effectiveness of agave-based products. Made at home:

• decoctions;
• alcohol tinctures;
• ointments;
• powders from dried and crushed leaves;
• water-based infusions;
• fresh juice;
• pulp compresses.

Agave accumulates nutrients by the fourth year of its life cycle.

Before use, you need to test for allergic reactions by applying a drop of juice to the skin of the wrist. In case of development of hyperemia, itching, burning, it is impossible to use plant-based products.

How to prepare medicine at home

Indoor agave is a personal little pharmacy on the windowsill. It will help with a number of diseases, you just need to correctly apply recipes and take into account contraindications and individual characteristics organism. To obtain juice, the leaves are cut, placed in a container and left in the refrigerator for seven days, which enhances the therapeutic effect due to the accumulation of biostimulating substances. Then the raw materials are washed, dried on a paper towel and crushed with a blender or rubbed on a fine grater. The resulting pulp is wrapped in clean gauze and squeezed.

Furuncles, boils

A fresh agave leaf is cut lengthwise and gently applied to the site of inflammation. From above fix with a dense warming bandage. The antiseptic substances included in the agave will accelerate healing and remove the purulent contents. An ointment prepared from a tablespoon of plant pulp, 100 g, also helps. olive oil and 100 g of honey. A thick layer is applied to a clean gauze and applied to the boil for thirty minutes. Excess ointment is removed with a cotton pad. Applied for five days.

Bronchopulmonary diseases

100 g of honey is mixed with the same amount of agave juice, heated in a water bath until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Take one tablespoon before meals three to four times a day. Liquefies sputum, accelerates its discharge in bronchitis, SARS, pneumonia, tuberculosis. It is used only as part of complex therapy and does not replace medical treatment.

constipation

A teaspoon of agave pulp is poured into 200 ml of boiling water and boiled for up to five minutes over low heat. Insist 1-2 hours, filter. Take two tablespoons before meals.

Radiculitis, sciatica, neuralgia, gout

50 g of finely chopped agave leaves are poured into 500 ml of vodka or alcohol. Insist in a dark place for 7-10 days. After straining, use for grinding. It is desirable to wrap the areas treated with tincture with a woolen shawl for a warming effect. A plant-based ointment also helps.

Hematomas

One tablespoon of juice is diluted in 50 ml of water, moistened with gauze and applied to the bruise. Or 30 ml of aloe juice is mixed with a teaspoon of agave juice and a compress is also made on the site of the bruise.

Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and liver

Crushed leaves are poured cold boiled water and insist 6-7 hours. The solution is filtered and consumed orally in a tablespoon 30 minutes before a meal. A decoction of wormwood and agave is also used (at the rate of 1 to 5). 100 g of herbal mixture is poured into a glass hot water, cool and filter. Taken in a similar way to normalize the work of the digestive tract.

Immunity Boost

To improve health and improve well-being, a healing drink is being prepared. Juice from two lemons is squeezed, mixed with 100 ml of agave juice and 200 g of honey, then crushed kernels are added walnuts(200-300 g). The medicine is heated in a water bath until a homogeneous consistency is reached. Take five times a day before meals.

With external use of products based on agave leaves and juice, skin irritation, itching, and redness may occur. In such cases, it is necessary to lubricate the affected areas with an emollient cream and stop treatment until the symptoms disappear. With a strong burning sensation, it is permissible to dilute the juice with water in a ratio of 1 to 1.

Contraindications

The use of agave preparations has a number of limitations:

• hepatitis;
• predisposition to allergies;
• manifestations of hormonal imbalance;
• gallbladder disease;
• pregnancy and the period of planning a child;
• lactation;
• childhood;
• individual intolerance;
• internal bleeding.

In case of violation of the dosage and recommended proportions medicines from agave juice can be harmful to health. In spite of healing properties plants not to be used folk recipes without the prior consent of the doctor.

According to the standards, only Blue Agave (Tequilana Weber blue variety Agave) can be used for the production of Tequila.

Plants must grow in areas included in the register of plantations, controlled by a special regulatory council (Tequila Regulatory Council).

In nature, there are many various types agaves. There are more than 200 varieties in Mexico alone. However, the ideal product that we know and love comes from the Weber's Blue Agave variety, named after the German botanist Franz Weber, who classified this agave variety in 1905.

Many believe that Agave belongs to the cactus family. But it's not.

Agave takes 6 to 10 years for the plant to reach its maximum sugar concentration. For the production of tequila, the core of the plant (head - pina) is used. For her to be big size, in the process of growth, the tips of the leaves of the plant are constantly cut. As a result, its weight can reach 90-100 kilograms. But, as a rule, it is 40 - 60 kilograms. The collection of agave, from which tequila will be produced in the future, in accordance with modern standards, is carried out at the 12th year of plant growth.

Agave pickers (jimador) use a special long-handled sharp tool (coa) with which they remove long leaves and then plant roots. After that, the head (core) is sent to the factory for further processing: juice extraction, fermentation and distillation.