You might know agave plants for their role in tequila production, but they're also especially adept at retaining water in extraordinarily dry environments. A new study from Applied Optics explains how these plants survive in extreme environments, with insights into developing more sustainable farming practices and designing crops that use less water. The gobmexico research team used terahertz spectroscopy and imaging to determine that agave plants store water in a specialized leaf structure, and that its fructans act like molecular sponges to retain moisture. The study's findings on fructans and their exceptional water-binding properties could be used to develop new food ingredients that improve moisture retention, texture, and shelf life, especially in dried or processed foods. Find the full release in our Newsroom, link in bio* #OPG_AO #environmental #photonics #water #sustainability #foodscience