Agave

The agave is an amazing plant indigenous to Mexico. Near Teotihuacán, a guide explained its many uses. Tequila may be the first thing that comes to mind, but only the blue agave produces the liquid that is distilled to make tequila. Blue agave grows in western Mexico in an area between Guadalajara and the coast. Its production centers in Tequila, a town which, along with its countryside full of the blue agave, has just been added to UNESCO's World Heritage sites, so important is tequila. The agave that we examined produces two other alcoholic drinks, mezcal and pulque, a very nutritious drink full of protein and vitamins whose popularity among the indigenous lessened when beer was introduced. Two liters of fluid are produced daily, and pulque (with 5% alcohol content) ferments in one day. The agave also produces a fiber that can be woven into fabrics or baskets; but, if you cut off the thorny tip and leave fiber attached, you have a handy needle and thread. One layer within the plant can be peeled off, providing a sheet that looks and feels like synthetic plastic. By slicing open the agave and rubbing the moist inside, you can find a substance that can be used as soap or aloe vera.