Agaves and tequila Q: Is blue agave, Agave tequilana var. Weber, the one that is used for making tequila, essentially the same variety as Agave americana?
Tequila must be made from Agave tequilana or its not tequila. The plant is grown commercially throughout Mexico and harvested when the sugar content is high, right before blooming. The leaves are trimmed away from the pineapple-like core, which is then roasted and distilled. I’ve never heard of anyone trying to ferment Agave americana, though doubtless it’s been tried, because the plant is quite common and easy to grow. Tequila agave makes a beautiful landscape plant, with slender blue leaves and a crisp silhouette.
