Learn about Tequila and Agave

Agave tequilana, also known as agave plant, is an important product of Jalisco. It’s the base ingredient of tequila. The plant produces a lot of agavins, which are one of the core characteristics that make it suitable as an alcohol beverage. The tequila agave is native to the states of Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit, and Aguascalientes in Mexico. The plant favors altitudes of more 5000 feet. It grows in rich and sandy soils.

Blue agave plants grow sprout a stalk, when 5 years old, which can grow an additional 16 feet. They are topped with yellow flowers. Tequila is made by removing the heart of the plant in its 7th to 14th year. Harvested hearts usually weigh 80-200 pounds. The heart is stripped of its leaves and heated to convert the inulin to sugars in it. The roasted core is pressed, or crushed, in order to release the liquid called aguamiel, which is fermented and distilled into alcohol.