Aloe Vera Recipe
Make Aloe Vera Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Aloe Vera Gel (prepare)
Syrup & Assembly
Method
Aloe Vera Gel (prepare)
- 1
Select and wash
Choose 3 large, healthy aloe vera leaves. Rinse each leaf thoroughly under cold running water to remove surface dirt. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- 2
Trim edges and drain latex
Using a sharp knife, slice off the serrated edges on both sides of each leaf. Trim the base if needed. Stand each leaf upright in a bowl or sink for 10–15 minutes, cut side down, to allow yellow latex (aloin) to drain away — this bitter sap must be removed.
- 3
Peel and scoop gel
Lay a leaf flat and carefully slice away the top green skin lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop the translucent inner gel away from the bottom skin. Place the raw gel pieces into a bowl as you go.
- 4
Rinse gel thoroughly
Place the scooped gel pieces into a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water for 30–60 seconds, gently rubbing the pieces to remove any residual yellow sap. This reduces bitterness and any remaining latex.
- 5
Ice bath soak
Prepare an ice bath by combining 1 cup ice with 1 cup cold water. In a separate container mix 0.25 tsp salt into the ice water to help draw out any remaining bitterness. Immerse the rinsed gel pieces in the salted ice water and let soak for 5 minutes, gently stirring once. Drain and pat the gel pieces dry on paper towels.
- 6
Cube the gel
Cut the drained aloe gel into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Measure out approximately 2 cups of cubed gel for the syrup/assembly step (reserve any extra in an airtight container for later use).
Syrup & Assembly
- 7
Make a light simple syrup
In a small saucepan combine 0.5 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, remove from heat.
- 8
Flavor the syrup
Stir 2 tbs fresh lime juice into the warm syrup. If using honey for extra floral sweetness, whisk in 1 tbs honey now so it fully dissolves. Allow the syrup to cool to warm (about 5–10 minutes).
- 9
- 10
- 11
Finish and serve
Before serving, give the aloe topping a gentle stir. Add optional 6 fresh mint leaves (chopped or left whole) to infuse a hint of mint, or remove them after 10–15 minutes if you prefer only a light aroma. Use 2–3 tablespoons of aloe topping per serving as a topping for drinks, shaved ice, yogurt, or desserts. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
