Eating Aloe Vera: The Best Uses

Aloe vera gel has long been known as an ingredient in cosmetics, but it can also be used as a food. In this article, we explain how you can best consume the plant.

Aloe Vera: Not only for cosmetics but also for food

In general, eating aloe vera is safe and healthy. However, there are a few things you need to watch out for.

• For example, neither the juice that escapes during harvesting nor the bark of the leaves is suitable for consumption.
• After you have harvested the leaves, you should therefore stand them upright in a glass and let the juice drain there for a few hours. Then pour it away and wash the leaf thoroughly.
• You can then cut open the leaf, scoop out the gel and use it again. This contains numerous minerals and vitamins such as vitamin E, zinc, and magnesium.
• It is recommended to use the gel immediately after harvesting the aloe vera. Alternatively, you can also freeze it.
• Also, make sure to only use soil and fertilizer intended for edible plants when caring for your plant.
• Incidentally, the aloe vera gel from the drugstore is not a suitable alternative. This is only intended for external use, but not for eating.
• You should also not consume more than two tablespoons, as excessive consumption of aloe vera can have a laxative effect due to the latex between the rind and the gel.
• If you are allergic, it is advisable to speak to your doctor in advance.

How to use aloe vera in food

Aloe vera gel has a slightly bitter taste. Mixed with other ingredients, you can hardly taste it.

• You can add the gel to a smoothie, for example. This allows you to get healthy nutrients without sacrificing a delicious taste.
• Alternatively, you can mix up to two scoops into your muesli. However, the gel is not suitable for mixing into porridge or warm porridge, as this would destroy most of the vitamins.
• You can also make a juice from aloe vera gel. Perfect for hot summer days!
• In Asian countries, aloe vera is also often used as an ingredient in salads. Here you can either put it over the salad as a topping similar to seaweed at the end, or you can use larger pieces and mix them with the remaining ingredients.
• If you don’t like the consistency of the gel itself, you can use it in sesame oil, chilies, and garlic dressing instead.
• In Mexican cuisine, however, aloe vera is used in salsa. You will also need tomatoes, coriander, salt, and pepper, some lemon juice, onions, and garlic. Blend these ingredients together until fully blended, then serve as a dip with tortilla chips.