Can you eat Aloe Vera?

In the horticulture world the 'BoereGoed' box is known for it's healthy, local products from Westland, South Holland. Part of the box is filled with products from the BoereGoed greenhouse in De Lier, South Holland, the other part of the box is filled with horticulture products from other companies. This week there was a very special vegetable in the box: an Aloe Vera plant, from Van der Burg potted plant nursery. Does Aloe Vera go better with pasta or with a piece of pork and some cooked bell peppers?

There are various grocery stores in which Aloe Vera can be found. You can also buy powders and capsules with the Aloe Vera extract. De Tuinen grocery store describes the Aloe Vera drink on their website, saying it is, "rich in important nutrients, contributes to healthy digestion and strengthens the immune system." But it is probably not the best idea for consumers to start throwing Aloe Vera leaves into their stews. Although the substance is good for digestion, it also works as a laxative!

So what can you do when your supply box has such a plant in it? Aloe Vera can come in handy when cooking. If you cut your finger or burned your hand when cooking, you can break off a leaf, cut it open and spread the gel over the affected skin. Aloe Vera is known for it's medicinal properties when dealing with fire burns, abrasions, or cuts. This is why the plant is used in many cosmetic products, although a minimal amount of Aloe Vera is used.