Continuation post: Agave Nectar Update
Sep. 8th, 2009 10:48 am
I just realized that I haven't given any updates on my findings in regards to Agave Nectar being a raw food.
A while ago, when I posted this, I began emailing the companies that distribute Agave Nectar to my local Natural Foods store - three fairly well known names (to me at least):
Mudhava
Aunt Patty's
Wholesome Sweeteners
I asked them all the same question: At what temperature to you heat/process your "Raw" Agave Nectar?
I'll be honest with you, I was rooting for Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Raw Blue Agave Nectar, for many reasons:
It's my favorite of all the Agave that I've tried
They were the only product that gave the most information on their label (and website) as to how they produce their Agave.
In doing research on the company itself I really like Wholesome Sweeteners ethics, and am more than happy to support their products
So with that, I was surprised and a little happy to hear back from them almost instantly. Here was my initial email to them:
Hello,
I have been enjoying the Raw Blue Agave Nectar by Wholesome Sweeteners for some time now, but recent controversy has me questioning wether or not it is actually in fact a raw "living food".
In checking your website FAQs I read that the Light Blue Agave nectar, when being made is heated to 161F, but it does not specify at what temperature the Raw Blue Agave nectar is processed at. I would greatly appreciate it if you could answer this for me.
Thank you so much! I hope to continue using your wonderful product in my home.
--- --- ---
Their Response:
Good afternoon Sarahfae,
Thank you for your e-mail. Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Raw Blue Agave is heated to temperatures below 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Best regards,
Bobbie Lynn Kahara
Office: 281.275.3144 · Fax: 281.490.9717
E-mail orders to: orders@wholesomesweeteners.com
Customer Service: 800.680.1896 · www.OrganicSugars.biz
Fair Trade Certified™ Organic and Natural Sweeteners
--- --- ---Fair Trade Certified™ Organic and Natural Sweeteners
I'm not entirely sure that I'm satisfied with their short response, but I'm happy to have heard back from Wholesome above all others.
As for Muhava, and Aunt Patty, well, they can suck it. I'm not going to give them my business, and I think that after two repetetive emails and no response from either they've answered my question loud and clear.
For now I'm going to stick with home-made sweetener, but I think in a pinch I'd feel a lot better using Wholesome's than anyone elses brand of falsely labeled "raw" Agave Nectar.