How to Make Aloe Vera Juice

Learn how to make your very own homemade aloe vera juice from scratch. It's such a simple recipe using only a small handful of ingredients with so many health benefits.

I'm sure you have heard all the talk about aloe vera and its wonderful health benefits.

Well today I am going to show you how to make your own DIY aloe vera juice to consume from scratch and how to store the extract/gel from the plant.

It's so easy to make and superior to the store bought kind because you are making it with the fresh aloe vera leaf.

Unlike the store bought kind which sits on the shelf for months or weeks at a time by then the nutrients will have depleted quite a bit.

Fresh is always best where possible, organic is a bigger plus although this can be pricy for some people.

What inspired me to make this post is that a new African Caribbean grocery store has opened by where I live, needless to say I'm elated. 

The service is outstanding with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to choose from on a daily basis.

One of those perks is having access to some gigantic organic aloe vera leaves. I've been using it in my hair and making juice with it for a few months now so thought I would share how I like to drink and prepare it.

What is aloe vera?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus aloe. The plant tends to have very short stems with thick, greenish-green/grey leaves.

Each leaf has serrated margins, like very very small teeth (that won't or shouldn't cause any cuts if you run your fingers along them).

Sometimes referred to as a wonder plant that is believed to have originated from the Arabian Peninsula but grows wild in tropical, dry climates worldwide. (source)

In Jamaica aloe vera is often referred to as "Single Bible" or "Sinkle Bible" growing up this is what we would call it, sometimes I would forget to call it aloe vera but now I use both names interchangeably.

The health benefits

The gel of the aloe vera plant is what is used for its health benefits. If you look around you will see that aloe vera is used in so many things such as food (FDA approved) cosmetics, supplements and herbal remedies. 

Because aloe contains anti inflammatory, anti viral and anti fungal properties.

As a topical healer aloe is great for treating sunburn, protection from UV rays, soothe/heal cuts/wounds.

It is also used in hair care and skin care products too. For example, acne and anti ageing products and to condition the hair (source).

There are many other benefits, too many to list in this post so I will keep it very brief and compile a list of other positives from using aloe;

• Teeth and gums (inflammation/tooth cavities)
• Constipation (aiding bowel movements)
• Foot ulcers
• IBS (source)

These are just a few examples as the list is absolutely endless.

Aloe vera juice

Did you know that you can make your own aloe juice at home? Yes you can! 

The aloe vera leaf constitutes 3 parts - the skin, the gel and the latex.

The gel is the bit that we will need for this recipe and not the other parts, but we need to get to that part by cutting into the leaf. 

The latex is a thin layer of yellow liquid situated between the skin and the gel. The latex is ingestible and bitter, containing many compounds that can cause laxative properties known as Aloin. 

The latex can be removed from the base while the aloe vera gel is being prepared so please do not worry or panic (source)

Picking your aloe vera leaf

The most convenient way to obtain an aloe leaf is from the supermarket. Although this may vary depending on what part of the world you are from. 

If you can get your leaf from a supermarket then this is the most hassle free method by far and most supermarkets stock leaves which are organic. 

Alternatively, you can harvest your own, if you choose to do the latter than be sure to remove leaves from a mature plant.

Pick leaves that are from the outer section of the plant and not an aloe species. Cut your chosen leaf or leaves from as close to the base/trunk as possible.

The leaves should be healthy, smooth in texture and most importantly free from mould or damage so be sure to inspect the plant prior to trimming.

Ideally you will want a leaf that is as large as what is pictured, this is how they tend to sell them when stand alone in the supermarkets.

However, if you aren't as fortunate, you can use several small aloe leaves to constitute a gigantic leaf. Try not to cut too many leaves, only what you need as you may kill the plant. (source).

How to remove latex from aloe vera

• Thoroughly wash the aloe vera leaf and then blot it dry with kitchen paper.
• Lay the leaf on a chopping board then slice off the base of the leaf (it maybe light green or white in colour).
• Stand the leaf upright (vertically) for 20 minutes during this time the yellow liquid should seep out (this is the aloe vera latex).
• Rinse the leaf again, starting from the bottom, I do this for a few minutes just to give me peace of mind that all debris and impurities are completely removed.
• Slice the aloe leaf into smaller sections about 2 inches is suffice.
• Place the small portions of aloe into a bowl of water and allow to rest of 5 minutes.
• Rinse and dry the small pieces of aloe with kitchen paper.
• Trim off the prickly edges with a paring knife.

Extracting the gel

• Slice off the top layer of skin to expose the gel.
• Then use a spoon or paring knife to scoop out the gel then repeat the previous step with the remainder of the leaf.
• Place all of the gel in a small bowl and rinse it off (one final time).
• Place the gel in a blender and pulse into a smooth consistency.
• Spoon the pureed aloe into an ice cube tray (you may need 2-3 trays) to store for longevity.

Making the juice

• Place 3 tablespoons of aloe vera juice, liquid of your choice and lime juice in a blender.
• Blitz until a smooth consistency is achieved.
• Sweeten to taste and serve immediately!

Note and tips

• Once you have scooped out the gel, if you don't want to puree/freeze the aloe, you can refrigerate it for 5-7 days but no longer.
• Drink only one glass of aloe vera infused drink per day.
• If you want to extend the shelf life of your aloe vera by up to a month then add vitamin C (¼ teaspoon for every ½ cup) when blended.
• 4 ice cubes are the equivalent to 3tbsp of aloe vera extract.
• Use a high speed blender like a Ninja, Blend Tec or Vitamix for smooth results/no straining needed.
• If any doubt or uncertainty buy the aloe leaf instead from a trusted source (ask questions about its origins etc.. if need be).
• Some people might be highly sensitive or allergic to aloe and not realise it, it might be best to do a very small taste test and wait 48 hours before consuming the whole drink.
• To reap the full benefits, make your drink when you know you are likely to drink it immediately.

More drinks to try

• Guinep Juice
• Sea Moss Drink
• Mauby Drink
• Mint Lime Water
• Pineapple Mint Infused Water
• Cinnamon Orange Cold Brew Tea
• Beetroot Punch
• Ginger Turmeric Shot Recipe
• Mango Coconut Smoothie
• Sea Moss Smoothie
• Cerassie Iced Tea

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