dates vs. agave

[veganman]

I have never used agave as I see it as liquid sugar. I feel dates have some redeeming qualities - fiber at least and vitamins and minerals. Does anyone know of any nutritional pros or cons of either?

[Booboo]

Agave nectar supposedly has a low glycemic index so it doesn't cause the sugar high and low. I use it and it tastes great. But quite honestly, I can't tell from eating it that it keeps my blood sugar stable.

[rawpriestess]

NOPE, I love the flavor of medjool dates, and use them when I can get them, I just ran out, and am waiting with baited breath for more.

they are unprocessed, so I like them alot.

I also have used agave' it tastes great, is easy to add to foods, and is a little thinner than honey for consistancy, has a nice sweet flavor, and it's very sweet, but I prefer dates as they are natural.

[veganman]

Is there a good formula for substituting dates for agave?

[rawpriestess]

I go by the taste, agave' is much sweeter than dates, per ounce etc.


also agave' is thin and dates are a thickening agent, so you do need to tweek your recipes if you wish to change sweeteners.

Agave' would NOT work in my brownies, in Alissa' date nut torte, in fudge balls, etc. you need the thickening and stickiness of the dates or raisins in those.

I woudl use agave' when a recipe calls for honey, or is in a liquid form, like it would be okay to use in Alissa's marinara sauce, as the dates are not a thickener, only a sweetner. etc.

[veganman]

Thanks RP -

I use dates only, not agave. Some recipes call for agave and I want to be able to substitute dates. Sounds like the best approach is by taste and maybe adding additional liquid?