What are the methods for preparing aloe vera?
As a plant with both ornamental and medicinal value, aloe vera is increasingly gaining attention on the dining table. Its transparent gel-like flesh is rich in amino acids and vitamins, and its unique cooling sensation captivates the taste buds of diners. However, with dozens of aloe vera varieties available on the market, how to correctly choose and process them has become the key.
I. Aloe Vera Cuisine Preparation Guide
1. Basic Processing Techniques
When extracting the flesh, invert the leaves to drain the yellow juice (contains aloin), use a stainless steel knife to remove the spiky skin, and soak in light saltwater for 15 minutes to remove any remaining sticky liquid. The processed flesh is crystal clear and presents a semi-transparent gel-like consistency.
2. Classic Dish Innovations
• Health salad: Combined with ice plant, red cabbage, and dressed with honey lemon juice• Seafood aloe vera soup: Slowly simmer shrimp, conpoy, and aloe vera cubes• Aloe vera enzyme drink: Ferment with apples and pineapples for 72 hours to create an active beverage
3. Creative Dessert Development
Aloe vera jelly is made using a layered technique: the bottom layer is coconut milk jelly, the middle layer is mixed with aloe vera particles and butterfly pea flower juice, and the top is garnished with edible gold foil. After chilling, it forms a gradient of blue and white, offering both visual and taste enjoyment.
II. Edible Aloe Vera Identification Guide
1. Safe Variety List
Curacao aloe (leaves wider than 5 cm), yuanjiang aloe (characterized by white spots on the leaf edges), and upright aloe (upright growth form) have been certified by the Ministry of Agriculture. Among them, Curacao aloe has a high polysaccharide content of up to 18.6%, making it the best choice for consumption.
2. Dangerous Variety Warnings
Ornamental varieties like the city aloe and pearl aloe contain excessive amounts of anthraquinones, which, if ingested, may cause diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance. When purchasing, look for leaves that are thicker than 2 cm and free of red streaks as a safety indicator.
From ingredient processing to variety selection, mastering the correct method is key to unlocking the culinary value of aloe vera. It is recommended that beginners start with a 5g serving, and only increase the amount after confirming no allergic reactions, allowing this 'desert lily' to truly become a gem of health on the dining table.