Aloe vera juice is a delicious and nutritious drink to be enjoyed with smoothies or other beverages. Consuming aloe vera plant gel is also known to relieve inflammation, improve digestion, and control blood sugar. Aloe vera juice can be a little tricky to make. However, once you master how to extract the gel, you can make this healthy and delicious juice in no time!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Taking Aloe Vera Gel
Step 1. Wash the aloe vera leaf under running water and pat it dry
Aloe vera will release a yellowish liquid that is poisonous right after being picked. So you should also clean this liquid as well. If you've just picked aloe from outdoors, leave the leaves for about 1 hour indoors to allow this liquid called latex to evaporate. After that, wash the aloe vera and use a clean cloth to pat it dry when it's ready to cut.
- Most of the aloe vera leaves sold in stores have been left until all the toxic yellowish latex has been removed. However, you should still wash the aloe vera leaf to remove dirt and other debris.
- Swallowing aloe vera yellow latex can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and/or vomiting, and even death if you are allergic to latex.
Step 2. Use a sharp knife to cut the side of the aloe vera skin and then pull it out
Cutting the sides of the aloe vera will make it easier to open it (similar to separating the flesh from the bone). Make a wedge next to the aloe vera leaf with the tip of a knife and cut this part along the length of the leaf. After you pull the aloe vera leaf, you should get two halves. Remove the skin from the leaves you cut.
You can also use scissors at this step. Just make sure you use sharp scissors and wash any sticky residue off the blade when you're done
Step 3. Remove the yellow layer just under the leaf skin with a sharp knife
Use a knife to carefully remove any yellow residue, film, or toxic spots that come off the aloe vera leaf when it is picked and still remain. What should be left is a clear, sticky object on top and bottom.
- Repeat this step on both aloe vera leaves.
- Wash the knife with dish soap and water once the yellow coating is removed.
- This yellow coating can also be removed by soaking aloe vera leaves in a solution of 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of vinegar and 250 ml of water.
Step 4. Use a spoon to scoop out the whole aloe vera gel
Pick up the sticky clear material from along the leaf with a spoon. Gather as much as you can, at least 2 tablespoons (6 teaspoons), then place in a blender or airtight container for later use.
- Make sure there are no yellow or green spots on the gel you take.
- This aloe vera gel can be stored for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. However, to get the maximum benefit (and freshness), use this aloe vera gel immediately.
Method 2 of 2: Making Aloe Vera Juice Drink
Step 1. Mix aloe vera gel with orange to make a simple drink
Place 2 tablespoons (6 teaspoons) of aloe vera gel and 3 whole oranges (peeled) in a blender and blend on high speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute. You can also blend aloe vera gel with about 450 ml of orange juice (with or without the pulp) if you don't have fresh oranges.
Aloe vera gel has a bitter and sour taste, and can have a laxative effect. So you have to dilute it with another liquid
Step 2. Mix aloe vera gel with fresh watermelon juice to make a refreshing and sweet drink
Use about 4 cups (1 liter) of fresh watermelon juice or about half of a small seedless watermelon (chopped). Put the juice or watermelon chunks in a blender along with the gel from 1 aloe vera leaf. Puree on high speed until completely liquid, and enjoy!
- Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for a slightly sour taste.
- Store this juice in an airtight container or bottle for up to 5 days if you don't drink it right away.
Step 3. Add aloe vera gel to fruit smoothies for a hydrating refreshment
Simply mix 1/2 cup (125 ml) of strawberries or blueberries, 1 banana, 1.5 cups (about 350 ml) of any milk, 4 tablespoons (12 teaspoons) aloe vera gel, and 1/4 cup (60 ml) ice into a blender. Blend on high speed for 1 or 2 minutes (depending on the power of the blender) or until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- You can store this smoothie in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 day. However, this drink should be enjoyed while fresh.
- Use vanilla or chocolate flavored peanut milk for a stronger flavor.
- Add 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) or 2 tablespoons (6 teaspoons) of peanut or almond butter for a sweet, nutty flavor and a thicker texture.
Step 4. Make a green smoothie for detox with aloe vera
Pour 250 ml of unsalted green tea (freshly brewed) into a blender along with 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) aloe vera gel, 1 cup (250 ml) fresh spinach, 1 frozen banana, 1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped pineapple, 1 date palm that has been seeded. Blend everything on high speed, about 1 or 2 minutes, depending on the power of your blender.
Add 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of chia seeds for healthy omega 3 fatty acids
Step 5. Make a tropical juice with pineapple and papaya
Place 4 tablespoons (12 teaspoons) of aloe vera gel, 3/4 cup (180 ml) of diced pineapple, and 3/4 cup (180 ml) of diced papaya in a blender. Blend everything on high speed until smooth. After that, pour the juice into a serving glass along with ice cubes and lemon juice. Enjoy!
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey as a sweetener.
- To make a tropical cocktail, add about 45 ml of tequila, vodka or gin.
Tips
- Aloe barbadensis miller is the only aloe vera plant with a suitable gel content for making aloe vera juice.
- By making your own aloe vera juice, you can ensure that there are no unhealthy additives or preservatives in it, especially if you make it from homegrown plants.
Warning
- You have to get rid of all the yellow layer under the aloe vera leaf skin. If swallowed, this coating can cause stomach pain and diarrhea.
- Make sure you immediately use aloe vera gel to get the maximum health benefits. The aloe vera gel will start to oxidize after a few minutes and lose its beneficial nutrients.
- Do not take aloe vera gel if you are allergic to plants of the Liliaceae family (such as onions and tulips).
