By Randall Tom

What is Agave?  Mostly found in Southwestern United states and Mexico  Average stock length 8 meters long  Leaves can grow up to 2 meters long  Prefers warm climate  Can live off little water

Misconceptions  Not Aloe  Not part of the cactus family

Indian uses (Food)  Edible flowers  Roast stalks  Stalk produces sap which can be used as a sugar substitute  Leaves used for source of fiber

Indian uses (Tools)  Sharp spine used as needles  Juices from leaves can be used for soap  Pens  String to sew

Indian uses (Medicinal)  Leaf tea to treat constipation and excess gas  Root tea used to treat arthritic joints

White uses  Tequila  Barbeque sauces  Jellies and marmalade  Breads  Energy bars

Why should we care?  Many of the products we use in our life are created from agave  Shows that Indians are a good example on how to use maximize the use of their resources Shouldn’t be looked upon as “primitive”

Video  50 foot Agave plant 50 foot Agave plant

Works Cited Agave. 01 June Dozier, Deborah. Stalking the Wild Agave:. Banning: Malki Museum Press, Employee, Museum. Agave Randall Tom. 01 June Facts about Agave Syrup June 2009.