Kitchen Tips

 

Can You Eat Aloe Vera?

Beyond its well-known role in soothing sunburns, aloe vera offers a plethora of benefits worth exploring. Should you find yourself with a fiery red complexion after prolonged sun exposure, the first instinct is often to reach for a bottle of aloe vera. However, this versatile plant holds far more potential beyond its sunburn-relief properties.

What Is Aloe Vera?

For millennia, humans have turned to aloe vera for its multifaceted healing properties, addressing a wide array of issues from acne to digestive disturbances. With a staggering 420 species, aloe vera, scientifically known as Aloe barbadensis Miller, belongs to the Liliaceae family and thrives in arid environments across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Within the leaf lies both the clear gel and the yellow latex, both of which offer distinct health benefits. The gel, often referred to as the "meat," boasts numerous therapeutic properties, while the yellow latex, residing between the leaf's skin and the gel, is renowned for its potential in alleviating constipation. Despite their typically bitter and resilient nature, sliced-off aloe vera leaves are occasionally consumed for their purported health-promoting effects.

How Do You (and Should You) Eat Aloe Vera?

The gel extracted from the aloe vera plant is generally considered safe for consumption and can lend a refreshing flavor to a variety of dishes and beverages. However, caution is warranted when it comes to the latex found in the leaf, as it contains anthraquinones responsible for the plant's laxative effects, and some studies suggest a potential link to cancer. Consumption of the latex may result in diarrhea or cramps, but it can be easily separated from the gel.

Many grocery stores offer individual aloe vera leaves in the produce section. When selecting a leaf, opt for one that is firm, plump, and has minimal blemishes.

To prepare the gel, start by peeling the leaf. Trim off the spiky top and sides, as well as the white base of the leaf. Using a vegetable peeler or sharp knife, carefully slice off one side of the skin lengthwise, working from top to bottom. The gel can then be scooped out with a spoon or the other side of the skin can be sliced off.

Next, cut the gel into cubes and rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt or the bitter latex, recognizable by its yellow residue. The aloe chunks can be consumed raw or subjected to a gentle cooking method such as poaching, blanching, or steaming. Cooking the aloe vera gel can help release more water and mellow its taste.

Here are a few ways to use aloe in your cooking:

• Creating aloe vera juice at home is simple; just mix aloe gel with water and enjoy the refreshing beverage.
• If the gel's texture or slightly bitter taste isn't appealing, incorporate cubes of aloe meat into smoothies such as the Pineapple Cleanser Smoothie or juices like the detoxifying Healthy Green Juice, enhancing your drink with an antioxidant boost.
• Experiment with topping salads and chilled noodle dishes with aloe vera cubes; the plant's cooling properties complement spicier salads like the Spicy Rice Noodle Salad.
• To utilize aloe vera skin, rinse it thoroughly and thinly slice it to add crunch to salads or transform it into "chips" for appetizers like hummus, fruity salsa, or bean dip.

Aloe Vera Health Benefits

Aloe vera is rich in 75 active substances, including vitamins A, C, and E, all of which possess antioxidant properties that shield the body from free radicals, associated with conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Additionally, aloe vera contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Beyond its antioxidant properties, aloe vera offers digestive benefits as well. Anthraquinones found in the yellow latex function as potent laxatives, aiding in bowel movements. Moreover, aloe vera can alleviate stomach discomfort, pain, and gas for individuals suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

How to Store Aloe Vera

While fresh aloe leaves are optimal, they can last for several weeks when stored in the refrigerator. To extend their shelf life further, consider freezing them. Whether stored in the fridge or freezer, wrap the leaves in plastic wrap or place them in plastic bags for preservation. When ready to use a frozen leaf, allow it to thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Similarly, aloe vera gel can be stored in the fridge or freezer for extended periods. Store it in a jar in the refrigerator or in a plastic bag for either the freezer or fridge. Alternatively, pour the gel into ice cube trays for freezing. It's worth noting that the gel may change color over time, which is a natural occurrence.