Aloe vera is a wonder plant that most of us cannot live without.
Today, we use aloe vera in almost every way. It takes a massive role in our skincare, hair care, and whatnot.
Nearly every product we use has an extract of aloe vera.
We widely celebrate this plant because of its soothing qualities.
It works like magic in treating sun damage and burns and even has potent anti-aging effects.
The history of aloe vera goes way back— with the practice of the plant in traditional medicine for various health benefits it offers.
And if you didn’t already know, many view the plant as a potent superfood for ages.
You will find plenty of aloe vera juices as good as kale or blueberries juices.
However, you may wonder what does aloe vera taste like? Or are they even safe for consumption? For answers, keep reading below.
What Is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a shrub with short-stem and succulent leaves, forming a dense rosette.
The leaves are pea green color and, in some cases, have white spots.
Its leaves have Parenchyma, which is a particular water-storing tissue that helps in surviving drought.
According to NCBI, Aloe Vera’s botanical name is Aloe Barbadensis Miller, which belongs to the Asphodelaceae family.
The derivation of the name Aloe vera is from the Arabic word ‘Alloeh,’ which means ‘shining bitter substance,’ and ‘Vera’ is a Latin word meaning ‘true.’
Also, the ancient Egyptians consider Aloe Vera as ‘the plant of immortality.’
Aloe vera leaf has two parts, its gel, and leaf juice, also called the aloe latex.
The gel is the odorless, transparent liquid, which is at the leaf’s innermost part.
And the latex is a yellow color juice that seeps from the leaf when you cut and has a bitter taste.
This latex is not suitable for consumption because it has laxative properties, which upon too much ingestion may cause health complications.
What Does Aloe Vera Taste Like? Does Aloe Vera Taste Like?
Many people have a common question when it comes to Aloe Vera: What does aloe vera taste like?
The name itself gives out some ideas on its taste. As the above para mentions:
“Alloeh” in Arabic word means shining with a substance. Likewise, when you eat raw Aloe vera, it can have a slightly bitter, acrid taste.
Study shows that according to the individual, the taste may slightly differ. In some cases, people experience a mix of plant-ish kick and some bitterness.
And in many other instances, it indicates fairly neutral, mild tolerable taste.
And the younger the shoots, the less bitter it tends to get.
Also, because of its bland taste, it is easy to mix them in smoothies and juices.
Nutritional Value Of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
It contains a whole array of nutrients that are optimal for body functions.
Aloe Vera’s extensive nutritional profile includes – Vitamins and minerals, enzymes, and fatty acids.
1. Vitamins and minerals – Aloe Vera is one of the best sources of Vitamin C, which helps boost the formation of iron, supports the immune system, and helps maintain bones and teeth. In just a cup of Aloe Vera juice, you get 9.1 g of vitamin C.
It contains other essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B12, vitamin B, and Choline.
It also has the right amount of minerals like calcium, copper, magnesium, chromium, manganese, sodium, potassium, and zinc.
2. Enzymes – Aloe Vera is also known for its rich content of enzymes, including amylase, aliiase, lipase, which are vital in breaking down sugars and fats.
3. Fatty acids – The plant also contains fatty acids that provide plant steroids, namely cholesterol, campesterol, ?- sitosterol, and lupeol.
And all these possess the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
This therapeutic plant also can relieve, treat, and cure various other health problems.
How To Make Aloe Vera Taste Better?
Aloe vera has a refreshing, almost neutral taste. You can eat it raw or include in a variety of recipes like juice, smoothies, and salsas.
According to Healthline, to eat the Aloe Vera raw, you must carefully slice the skin off, and get the clear gel while trying to keep out the latex residue, because it can give displeasing bitterness.
And if you think you still cannot handle the smell and taste of raw aloe gel, then enjoy it by adding it in your drinks and smoothies.
To do so rightly,
You must first cut off the pointy edges and slice off the leaf’s top panel.
Now that the clear fleshy gel is revealed scoop it or scrape out the inside into a bowl and wash it thoroughly. Make sure you don’t have the yellow residue to eliminate any bitter taste.
Then add it in your blender with the rest of the ingredients. Make sure that your smoothie or juice recipes contain some citruses because bitter tastes are always best eliminated with acidic counterparts.
Now blend the gel into your juice or smoothly until it dissolves completely.
And there you go, you have your aloe vera smoothie or juice with no taste of aloe vera whatsoever.
Conclusion
Now that you know Aloe Vera offers considerable benefits in its consumption, we should start to incorporate it into our diet more often.
And even if you’ve come to find out that you are not so fond of its taste, we have got you covered.
You can easily mix it in your favorite drinks and smoothies recipes without leaving any trail of aloe vera’s taste.
Thus, this way, you can soak in all the goodness of aloe vera while still enjoying the flavor of your favorite fruits.
What Does Aloe Vera Taste Like? Does Aloe Vera Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Aloe vera
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
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