Aloe Vera Juice (Refreshing Blend)
A uniquely refreshing and hydrating non-alcoholic drink, Aloe Vera Juice blends the translucent gel of the aloe plant with zesty lemon or lime and a hint of sweetness, creating a clean, subtly earthy, and revitalizing beverage perfect for a wellness boost.
Prepare aloe vera leaf
Wash 1 piece (about 4-5 inches / 10-12 cm) fresh aloe vera leaf thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry. Trim off the serrated edges (thorns) from both sides of the leaf. Place the cut end down in a glass or bowl for 10-15 minutes to allow the yellowish aloin (latex) to drain out. This substance is bitter and can have a laxative effect. Discard the drained liquid.
💡 Tips:
- •Draining the aloin is crucial for a non-bitter taste. Choose a fresh, firm, dark green leaf, free from blemishes.
Extract aloe vera gel
Lay the leaf flat. Carefully slice off the green top skin layer, then gently scoop out the clear, gelatinous inner gel with a spoon. Ensure no green or yellow bits remain, as these contain the bitter aloin. Rinse the extracted clear gel under cold water briefly to remove any lingering stickiness or residue. You should aim for about 2-3 tablespoons of clean gel.
💡 Tips:
- •Be careful, as the gel can be slippery. Only use the clear gel; discard any yellow or green parts.
Blend the juice
Place the extracted and rinsed aloe vera gel in a blender. Add 0.75 cup (180 ml) cold water, 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice, and 1-2 teaspoons honey (or other sweetener). Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and the gel is fully incorporated. Do not over-blend to avoid excessive foaming.
💡 Tips:
- •For a completely smooth texture, ensure the gel is fully broken down. Adjust sweetener and citrus to your taste.
Serve
Pour the freshly blended aloe vera juice into a glass. If desired, add 1 serving of ice. Garnish with 1 slice of lemon or lime and 1 fresh mint leaf. Serve immediately.
💡 Tips:
- •Fresh is best for aloe vera juice. Enjoy immediately for maximum refreshment.
- 💡**Flavor Boosts:** Add a small piece of fresh ginger, a few cucumber slices, or a handful of berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries) to the blender for additional flavor and nutrients.
- 💡**Store-Bought Option:** If using bottled pure aloe vera juice (ensure it's food-grade and not for external use), simply combine 0.5 cup of store-bought aloe vera juice with 0.25 cup cold water, 1.5 tablespoons citrus juice, and sweetener.
- 💡**Chill Factor:** For extra coolness, use very cold water or pre-chill the extracted aloe gel before blending.
- 💡**Texture:** If you prefer a completely pulp-free juice, you can strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, though much of the fiber is in the gel itself.
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