How to Prepare Aloe Leaves for Edible Use and Freezing

Peel the Skin: Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to carefully peel off the green outer skin of the aloe leaf. Try to stay close to the skin to avoid taking too much of the clear aloe gel with it.

Remove the Yellow Sap: Once you peel the skin, you’ll see the yellowish latex. Wash this off under running water, or you can let it drain by setting the leaf on an incline for a few minutes. Some people prefer to soak the aloe slices in water for a few hours to ensure all the aloin is removed.

Step 3: Storing Aloe Vera

Once you have your clear aloe gel, it’s ready to eat, or you can store it for later use.

For Immediate Use: Dice the gel into cubes and mix it into smoothies, salads, or eat it as is.

For Freezing: Place the aloe gel cubes on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for several months and used as needed.

Conclusion

Preparing aloe vera for consumption may seem like a bit of work, but it’s worth it for the health benefits. Whether you’re using it to enhance your smoothies, as a digestive aid, or even topically, ensuring you properly remove the aloin makes aloe vera a safe and versatile addition to your wellness routine. Enjoy the natural goodness of aloe vera with this easy preparation method!