AGAVE FLOWERS
are edible. The plants grow slowly—some species as long as 25 years—and they bloom only once, potentially producing several pounds of flowers in their final growing seasons.
AGAVE STALKS
called quiotes, can weigh several pounds. Their size ranges depending on species. Stalks are the source of aguamiel, or honey water, which is used like sugarcane.
AGAVE LEAVES
can be short and broad, or narrow and long. They are arranged in rosettes that are typically a few inches wide and up to 12 feet in diameter. The leaves yield both sap and fiber.
PIÑA
The piña is the heart of the agave. Varying in size, some have been known to weigh as much as 1000 pounds. As the plant ages, the piña accumulates sugar and starch. Steamed, roasted or smoked, the piña is the key ingredient of agave spirits.
ROOT SYSTEM
The agave plant has a small root system. Suckers allow the plant to multiply and produce colonies.
HIJUELOS
are the baby agave shoots, or “pups” that grow into new plants.