Can Aloe Vera Be Eaten? The Latest Answer Is Here

Aloe vera is a rising star among plants, combining edible, medicinal, cosmetic and ornamental uses in one. Also known as Luhui, Nehue, Xiangdan and other names, it is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the genus Aloe in the lily family, with large, thick, fleshy leaves growing in clusters. In Chinese folk tradition it has been used as a natural remedy for beauty care, hair care and the treatment of skin diseases. Now let us take a look together at whether aloe vera can be eaten!

Can Aloe Vera Be Eaten?

Some aloe vera can be eaten. According to research, there are more than 300 wild varieties of aloe, but only six varieties are edible, and they must be peeled before eating. At the same time, eating aloe vera must be done with care to avoid poisoning. Generally, eating 9 to 15 grams of aloe vera can cause poisoning, and symptoms of poisoning mostly appear within 8 to 12 hours. Common reactions include nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, hemorrhagic gastritis and other digestive system reactions, as well as oliguria, proteinuria and other urinary system abnormalities. In severe cases, dehydration and cardiac suppression can lead to bradycardia, and in pregnant women it can even cause miscarriage.

Which Aloe Veras Can Be Eaten?

1. Curaçao aloe: Curaçao aloe, also known as American aloe, jade leaf aloe and other names, can be used in medicine, cosmetics and food, and its raw juice, concentrated juice and crystalline powder can serve as raw materials for various health foods. Because it is rich in gel, it has a very notable effect on skin care and beauty, so it is also often used as a raw material for beauty cosmetics.

2. Tree aloe: Tree aloe, also known as small tree aloe, Japanese aloe, wood sword aloe and other names, is named for its shape, which resembles an upright tree. Its leaves are grayish green, thin and long, with a low gel content. Besides being eaten raw or made into juice, it is also suitable for making home-cooked dishes for eating, and can also be processed into health foods or cosmetics.

3. Chinese aloe: Chinese aloe, also known as striped aloe, is a variety of Curaçao aloe. Its stem is short, the leaves of the seedlings grow in two rows, and both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves have white spots that do not fade as the leaves grow. It has a very strong ability to produce offshoots and strong adaptability. It has a certain medicinal value, and the tender leaves can be used as the raw material for aloe salad.

4. Cape aloe: Cape aloe, also known as Aloe ferox, has an upright stem that can reach 3 to 6 m in height, leaves 60 to 80 cm long, and up to 30 to 50 leaves that are large, hard, spiny, dark green to blue-green, with no side branches. It can be used in medicine, and the aloe recorded in many pharmacopoeias around the world is Cape aloe.

5. Soap aloe: Soap aloe has a short stem, green leaves about 50 cm long that curve slightly downward, and beautiful white striped markings on the leaves with clear texture. The leaves are broad, large and thick in flesh, contain a relatively large amount of gel, and have mild medicinal properties. It is often used medicinally in folk tradition, but it is not recorded in pharmacopoeias. It has relatively high ornamental value and can be used both medicinally and for beauty care.

How Is Aloe Vera Best Eaten?

1. Stir-fried aloe

[Ingredients] 200 grams of aloe, 15 ml of oil, 15 grams of salt, 210 ml of white vinegar, 5 grams of white sugar, and an appropriate amount of toasted sesame seeds.

[Method] 1. Remove the outer skin of the aloe and take the pure flesh, cut it into small strips, quickly blanch in boiling water, and drain the water. 2. Heat the oil in a wok over high heat, add the aloe strips and stir-fry for 1 minute. 3. Add salt, white sugar and white vinegar, stir well, and remove from the heat. After plating, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and it is done.

2. Aloe lemon juice

[Ingredients] 5 cm of aloe leaf, 1 spoon of honey, 2/3 cup of water, 1 small spoon of lemon juice.

[Method] 1. Wash a 5 cm-long fresh aloe leaf, remove the spines, blend it with lemon, then add 2/3 cup of water and mix well, then add ice and lemon. 2. Add blended aloe juice to fruit juices such as apple and orange or vegetable juices such as tomato and celery, then dilute with boiled water or hot water to make mixed aloe juice.

3. Aloe radish puree

[Ingredients] 3 cm of fresh aloe leaf, 4 cm of white radish.

[Method] 1. Carefully wash a 3 cm-long fresh aloe leaf, remove the spines and grate it into a puree. 2. Then wash the white radish and grate it into a puree, lightly squeeze it, and put it into a container. 3. Spread the aloe puree over the radish puree, sprinkle with seaweed and soy sauce, and it is ready to eat.

4. Aloe banana jam

[Ingredients] 3 cm of fresh aloe, 3 fresh bananas, 2 large spoons of lemon juice, 200 grams of granulated sugar.

[Method] 1. Slice the bananas and put them in a pot, add lemon juice and granulated sugar, remove the spines from the fresh aloe and cut it into 3 mm pieces, then put it into the pot together with the bananas and cook. 2. After it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and cook for about 10 minutes. When the ingredients become sticky and paste-like, pour them hot into a container and eat after cooling.