How to Prepare Aloe Leaves for Edible Use and Freezing

Aloe vera is celebrated for its health benefits, especially for its use in skin care and digestive health. But did you know you can also eat aloe vera? That’s right! However, before you can enjoy the health benefits of eating aloe vera, you need to properly prepare the leaves to remove the latex, which contains compounds that can be irritating to the digestive system. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it safely and store aloe vera for future use.

Step 1: Selecting and Cleaning the Aloe Leaves

Start by choosing fresh, plump aloe vera leaves from the outer part of the plant, as these are the most mature and contain the most gel. Rinse the leaves under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 2: Removing the Poisonous Parts

The “poison” in aloe leaves is actually a yellowish latex called aloin, found just under the skin of the leaf. It’s important to remove this to make the aloe safe for consumption.

Cut off the Base: Begin by cutting off about an inch from the base of the leaf where it was attached to the rest of the plant. This part contains the highest concentration of aloin.