Aloe vera can be a healthy and enjoyable ingredient in many different dishes. While this plant doesn't have much flavor, it can improve the texture of some dishes and make them healthier too. It can be safe and healthy to eat when properly cut and prepared; it is sufficient to cut the leaf from the plant, take the gel and add the aloe to various foods. However, not everyone can safely consume it; if you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and contact your doctor.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cut the Plant
Step 1. Use the aloe vera you find in the supermarket
Not all varieties are edible and the one you grow as a houseplant may not necessarily be eaten. Instead, buy some large leaves that you find in the fruit and vegetable department of supermarkets.
Aloe vera is not available in all large stores and you may need to go to natural and organic retailers
Step 2. Cut the leaves into sections
Use a sharp knife and make horizontal incisions along the entire leaf; each "slice" should be about 8-10 cm wide.
Step 3. Remove the side with the pins
One of the edges of the leaf is thorny and must be cut off from the sections; then cut it off, being careful not to remove a large part of the leaf.
Step 4. Remove the green peel from the flat side of the leaf
You should notice that one side of the leaf is more flattened than the other; slide the knife carefully along this surface, scraping off the green outer layer. Remove just enough of it to expose the translucent portion just below.
Step 5. Remove the gel
Inside the plant there is this transparent gel; lay the leaf on its side and use a spoon to collect all the internal substance. Then transfer it to an airtight container, such as Tupperware; you can consume the gel or throw it away.
If you don't want to eat or drink the gel, you can save it for making lotions, shaving creams, or other topical uses
Step 6. Wash it
Just like any other plant, aloe vera also needs to be cleaned before you can eat it; rinse it under the tap to remove all traces of earth and dirt. You should also wash away the gel that filters from the inside to prevent the aloe from becoming sticky.
If you plan to eat the plant with the peel, soak it for 10 minutes in water; in this way, it softens and becomes more tender
Step 7. Cut the plant according to the directions in the recipe
Once cut and softened in water, you can chop it up as needed. If you are making a salad, you may not need to make any other changes; if you want to make a sauce or a garnish, chances are you need to cut the aloe vera into cubes.
Part 2 of 3: Using Aloe Vera in Recipes
Step 1. Eat the raw plant
The flavor of aloe vera is rather neutral and you can therefore "munch" the leaves as a snack between meals; if you wish, you can dip them in some sauce such as hummus or pinzimonio.
Step 2. Drink the natural gel
Research has shown that aloe vera gel helps digestion and promotes weight loss; it seems effective in managing even chronic diseases, such as diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome. The juice has no taste, so you can drink it as it is.
However, the scientific studies carried out on this plant are not conclusive; if you have chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, or notice adverse symptoms (such as constipation), you should speak to your doctor
Step 3. Incorporate aloe vera into smoothies
This ingredient changes the texture of the milkshakes and also makes them healthier; you can add the gel or the chopped leaf.
Step 4. Make a sauce
You can put the leaf in a blender along with tomatoes, cilantro, sea salt, lime juice and garlic; blend everything until you get a fluid mixture. This way, you can serve a delicious salsa that goes perfectly with tacos and corn chips.
If you love spicy toppings, you can add some habanero or jalapeño pepper
Step 5. Put the leaves in the salads
Chop them up and incorporate them into any salad to make it more crunchy and nutritious. This plant does not have an intense flavor, therefore it should not alter that of the dish to which it is added.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Precautions
Step 1. Stop drinking if you notice any side effects
Not all people can eat this plant safely; some have allergic reactions that manifest as cramps or rashes. If so, stop eating aloe and make an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation.
Step 2. Consult your doctor before adding supplements to your diet
Aloe vera is sometimes consumed in this form for the purpose of treating ailments such as constipation; however, you should never resort to these food solutions without first discussing them with your family doctor to make sure that these preparations are compatible with your health condition and any drug therapy you are following.
Step 3. Do not apply the gel to deep wounds
If you have decided not to eat it, you can safely use it as a topical treatment to manage mild skin irritations or treat localized problems such as acne. However, very deep injuries should be treated by health professionals; spreading the gel on these kinds of wounds could trigger an adverse reaction and make the situation worse.
