Ah, didn't know you could drink aloe vera, did you? Or maybe you did? It's a common enough shake in Vietnam, but I'm not sure many people know about it here. Not in its raw form anyway.
During the recent heat wave, UnHipLA asked me about its health benefits after she taste-tested five different brands of aloe vera juice. While we know aloe vera soothes sunburns, taken internally, it also acts as a natural laxative, helps kill parasites, heals ulcers, and soothes stomachaches, according to this website anyway. I don't know the exact particulars, but my second-youngest aunt says its good for me and likes to eat aloe vera during hot weather. She usually just mixes some fresh lemon juice and sugar with slices of raw aloe vera.
Luckily my youngest uncle has plenty growing in his yard so I can share my recipe with you.
Sinh To Nha Dam (Vietnamese Aloe Vera Shake)
I cut off just two leaves? Is that what you'd call it?
You can see the slime oozing out. To prepare, cut the sides where the spines are. Then I cut the leaf into smaller pieces to make it easier to peel with a knife.
It'll be pretty slimy to work with but when stripped bare, the aloe vera is pretty much translucent.
I cut the strips into thinner slices.
Washing my hands frequently because of the sliminess.
Here's a close-up of the side of the glass. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice and sugar, and adjust to your taste.
Would you eat this?
How 'bout if I put a pretty little heart-shaped ice cube on top?
If you don't like aloe vera in slices, you can also blend it with ice cubes and make a shake. Add sugar if you wish.
This is how I drank it in Vietnam. Afternoon shake break with my cousin. We alternated between sipping this, Sinh To Bo (Vietnamese Avocado Shake) and Sinh To Ca Chua (Vietnamese Tomato Shake). Very cooling on a hot day!
Enjoy!
I would definitely drink this since I know it tastes wonderful! Very refreshing, too. ;)
ReplyDeleteWow - I would drink it. It looks refreshing as anh said.
ReplyDeleteWow I didn't know aloe was edible! It does look very refreshing. :)
ReplyDeleteAhhh... that's where the aloe vera comes from :p - the "leaves" :)
ReplyDeleteAnh,
ReplyDeleteHehe. I knew you would!
GBVC,
You're quite adventurous then.
Amy,
I think my aunt even makes it into a soup!
Yich,
Was I right? They're leaves? :)
Seriously, you have so much knowledge about Vietnamese food, you could even teach my grandmamma a thing or two! Sorry I haven't been commenting lately, but I've been reading! You always make me smile with your great recipes.
ReplyDeletePE,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment but I'm sure your grandma knows a whole lot more!
Have you tasted the Aloe before adding sugar and lemon? I've found it very bitter with an unpleasant smell. Am I using the wrong kind of Aloe?
ReplyDeleteJohta,
ReplyDeleteI think you might have the wrong kind of aloe. It's not bitter, nor does it have a strong smell. The kind I eat or drink, the smell is the usual aloe scent, although a fresh slice isn't very strong. And taste-wise, it's quite bland. Definitely not bitter. Was it freshly cut? Perhaps that's another reason?
SB,
ReplyDeleteOh wow! With those kind of results, I feel like I should start slathering myself in aloe vera. I must admit, I've been pretty lazy about just putting regular lotion on after a shower. But my face has been quite dry lately and no amount of lotion seems to tone down the dryness. Thanks for reminding me of its benefits!
Is there any other ways to make the drink? Without any bitter fruits?
ReplyDeleteMo,
ReplyDeleteYou could try orange juice? Or any other fruit juice really. Or just plain if you wish. Aloe vera is a pretty neutral flavor.