Edible Aloe Vera

 

In the search for improved health and happiness, I always search for natural food supplements. I have raised my very own Kombucha, I have made  turmeric, cinnamon, ginger  balls, I have retrained my coffee grinder to powder flax seeds, I make fruit as well as green shakes on a daily basis, with or without avocado, but always with bananas, as well as carrot juice and apple juice alternately… And the list goes on encompassing my daily routine. Yesterday a friend I have not seen for several months came by. At some point the discussion turned to her recent habit of consuming edible Aloe vera and incorporating it into her family's daily consumption. She looked around disappointed not to find any variety of Aloe-vera, shamefully I

confessed that I did plant some in my previous home, and that I do know where to find some. 

Aloe vera is presently found worldwide. It is a tough plant which will grow in poor soil in hot conditions, but also indoors, and there are many varieties all tough and steady. The thick long leaves contain a gel used externally for skin irritations, minor burns, itching due to insect bites, sores, etc. There is a growing interest in the health benefits of Aloe-vera juice, but it is important to understand the difference between the varieties of Aloe vera, and remember that the type commonly used for burns is not edible. My research has led me to understand that the distinguishing features are: (1) leaf color- the edible type are dark dusty green color, not spotty. (2)The leaves are straight unlike the type with curving leaves. (3)The flowers are yellow, unlike the common type with red flowers. (4)The edible Aloe vera has wide leaves which could be up to 20 centimeters wide, these mature leaves are the ones to be eaten. (5)The older mature leaves are "spotless" unlike the younger leaves which have light green spots. The external use Aloe vera leaves will not lose their spots as they mature.

The leaves contain gel as well as latex. The gel is colorless and transparent and is the therapeutic part of the leaf. The latex is a thick yellow liquid which is found between the gel and the inner rind of the leaf. It is important to get rid of the latex since it is bitter and is also a powerful laxative causing cramps and diarrhea if taken orally, and is not considered safe for daily intake. The latex is also extremly bitter and it is used by the Aloe Vera for self defence. It is important to allow the latex is to drip off or rinsed with water. To harvest your own Aloe vera you will need a 2-3 year old outer leaf. Cut it at an angle, allow the yellow bitter latex to drain for about 10-15 minutes, cut off the serrated edges with a sharp knife, and cut the skin off the gel. Having removed the skin from the gel, the gel can be washed to remove remaining latex. The gel can be stored, frozen, liquified, or stored for up to one week in the fridge. Word of caution: do not consume the commercially marketed Dr. Fisher Aloe-vera gel.