Definition

Noun: 1. A species of agave plant native to Mexico: Agave atrovirens is a specific type of large, succulent plant, characterized by its thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette. It is notable for its historical and economic use in producing pulque, a traditional fermented beverage.

Examples

• is well-adapted to arid climates.
• For centuries, the sap of has been harvested to make pulque.
• The large, spiky leaves of are a common sight in certain regions of Mexico.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or agricultural contexts: The name is used precisely to distinguish this species from others in the genus, such as (used for tequila) or .
  • While Agave tequilana is used for tequila, Agave atrovirens is the traditional source for pulque.

Variants and Related Words

• Maguey (noun): A common name in Mexico for various species of agave plants, including . It is often used interchangeably in the context of pulque production.
  • The farmer cultivated a field of maguey, primarily Agave atrovirens, for pulque.
• Century plant: A general term for agaves, referring to the long time some take to flower. can be referred to as a type of century plant.
• Pulque (noun): The traditional Mexican fermented drink made from the sap (aguamiel) of agave plants, especially .

Synonyms

• Maguey pulquero: A Spanish term specifically linking the plant to pulque production.
• Pulque agave: A descriptive English term indicating its primary use.

Related Terms & Context

• Mescal (or Mezcal): A distilled alcoholic spirit made from various cooked agave hearts. While the reference context mentions mescal, it is crucial to note that is primarily associated with pulque (a fermented drink), not the distilled spirit mescal. Mescal is typically made from other agave species.
• Aguamiel (noun): The unfermented, sweet sap extracted from the agave plant, which is then fermented to become pulque.
  • The aguamiel collected from Agave atrovirens is fermented in large vats.

Noun

1. Mexican plant used especially for making pulque which is the source of the colorless Mexican liquor, mescal