what is raw agave and is it safe? and Senna hebecarpa (American senna)

what is raw agave and is it safe?

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Answer by bob s
Four major parts of the agave are edible: the flowers, the leaves, the stalks or basal rosettes, and the sap (called aguamiel—honey water). (Davidson 1999)

* Each agave plant will produce several pounds of edible flowers during the summer.
* The leaves may be collected in winter and spring, when the plants are rich in sap, for eating.
* The stalks, which are ready during the summer, before the blossom, weigh several pounds each. Roasted, they are sweet, like molasses.
* During the development of the inflorescence there is a rush of sap to the base of the young flower stalk. In the case of A. americana and other species, this is used in Mexico and Mesoamerica in the production of the beverage pulque.
* The flower shoot is cut out and the sap collected and subsequently fermented. By distillation, a spirit called mezcal is prepared; one of the most well-known forms of mezcal is tequila. In 2001 the Mexican Government and European Union agreed upon the classification of tequila and its categories. 100% Blue Agave Tequila must be made from the Weber Blue Agave plant, to rigorous specifications and only in certain Mexican states.

* The leaves of several species yield fiber: for instance, Agave rigida var. sisalana, sisal hemp, Agave decipiens, False Sisal Hemp. Agave americana is the source of pita fiber and is used as a fiber plant in Mexico, the West Indies and southern Europe.

* When dried and cut in slices, the flowering stem forms natural razor strops, and the expressed juice of the leaves will lather in water like soap.

* The natives of Mexico used the agave to make pens, nails and needles, as well as string to sew and make weavings. In India the plant is extensively used for hedges along railroads.

* Agave syrup (also called agave nectar) is used as an alternative to sugar in cooking.

* When dried out, the stalks can be used to make didgeridoos.

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Senna hebecarpa (American senna)


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