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 eat the plant.
Aloe Vera: Not only for cosmetics, but also for food
It is usually safe and healthy to eat aloe vera. However, there are a few things to watch out for.
- For example, both the juice that emerges when harvesting and the bark of the leaves are not suitable for consumption.
- After harvesting the leaves, you should place them upright in a glass and let the juice drain for a few hours. Then pour it away and wash the leaf thoroughly.
- You can then cut the sheet open, spoon 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 freeze it.
- Also, be sure to use only soil and fertilizer that are intended for edible plants when caring for your plant.
- Incidentally, the aloe vera gel from the drugstore is not suitable as an alternative. This is only for external use, but not for eating.
- In addition, you should not take more than two tablespoons, as if consumed excessively by the latex between the bark and the gel, aloe vera can have a laxative effect.
- 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.
- For example, you can add the gel to a smoothie. So you can consume the healthy nutrients without having to give up a delicious taste.
- Alternatively, you can mix up to two spoons in your muesli. However, the gel is not suitable for mixing in porridge or warm porridge, since a large part of the vitamins is then destroyed.
- You can also make 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 add it to the salad as a topping similar to algae, 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 a dressing with sesame oil, chillies, and garlic instead.
- In Mexican cuisine, however, aloe vera is used in salsa. You also need tomatoes, coriander, salt and pepper, some lemon juice, onions and garlic. Mix these ingredients until completely mixed and then serve the salsa as a dip with tortilla chips.
