Aloe vera is celebrated for its health benefits, especially for its use in skin care and digestive health. But did you know you can also eat aloe vera? That’s right! However, before you can enjoy the health benefits of eating aloe vera, you need to properly prepare the leaves to remove the latex, which contains compounds that can be irritating to the digestive system. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it safely and store aloe vera for future use.
Step 1: Selecting and Cleaning the Aloe Leaves
Start by choosing fresh, plump aloe vera leaves from the outer part of the plant, as these are the most mature and contain the most gel. Rinse the leaves under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2: Removing the Poisonous Parts
The “poison” in aloe leaves is actually a yellowish latex called aloin, found just under the skin of the leaf. It’s important to remove this to make the aloe safe for consumption.
- Cut off the Base: Begin by cutting off about an inch from the base of the leaf where it was attached to the rest of the plant. This part contains the highest concentration of aloin.
- Peel the Skin: Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to carefully peel off the green outer skin of the aloe leaf. Try to stay close to the skin to avoid taking too much of the clear aloe gel with it.
- Remove the Yellow Sap: Once you peel the skin, you’ll see the yellowish latex. Wash this off under running water, or you can let it drain by setting the leaf on an incline for a few minutes. Some people prefer to soak the aloe slices in water for a few hours to ensure all the aloin is removed.
Step 3: Storing Aloe Vera
Once you have your clear aloe gel, it’s ready to eat, or you can store it for later use.
- For Immediate Use: Dice the gel into cubes and mix it into smoothies, salads, or eat it as is.
- For Freezing: Place the aloe gel cubes on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for several months and used as needed.
Conclusion
Preparing aloe vera for consumption may seem like a bit of work, but it’s worth it for the health benefits. Whether you’re using it to enhance your smoothies, as a digestive aid, or even topically, ensuring you properly remove the aloin makes aloe vera a safe and versatile addition to your wellness routine. Enjoy the natural goodness of aloe vera with this easy preparation method!