Aloe vera compote is one of the compotes that has its own special fans. In this article, two methods for making this compote are presented, one of which offers longer shelf life.
Aloe Vera Compote, in addition to its well-known benefits for the skin, has numerous other properties. In this article, we will explain how to make aloe vera compote. As you know, compote can be prepared in two ways, one of which increases the fruit’s shelf life.
Aloe vera leaves as needed
Sugar as needed
When making aloe vera compote, the first important step is to carefully remove the clear gel from the aloe vera leaves. To do this, first peel off the green skin, then carefully remove the yellow layer covering the gel, and wash the gel well with cold water. (You can use a solution of one tablespoon white vinegar and one cup water to remove the yellow layer.)
Next, pour water into a pot and place it on the stove to boil. (Do not use too much water.) Then add sugar and let it dissolve partially. Add the aloe vera gel pieces into the pot and let the water with the gel boil for 15 minutes, then remove it from heat. To flavor the compote, you can add 2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice.
After it cools, pour the compote into a jar with a lid and keep it in the refrigerator. It is best to let the compote sit in the fridge for two days before consuming. The compote can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.
This method yields a compote with longer shelf life. To make aromatic aloe vera compote using the canning method, follow these steps:
Like in the first method, remove the aloe vera gel from the leaves, wash it, and cut it into pieces.
Pack the aloe vera pieces tightly into a glass jar.
Mix water, sugar, and lemon juice, then heat the mixture until it slightly boils.
Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool.
Pour the syrup into the glass jar containing the aloe vera and seal the jar tightly.
Place the jar in a pot filled with water (fill water up to just below the jar’s lid).
Heat the pot on the stove, ensuring the top of the jar remains above water.
After 20 minutes, remove the jar and let it cool.
Store the compote in a suitable place like a cupboard or refrigerator.
When separating aloe vera gel, carefully remove the yellow layer as it tastes bitter and spoils the flavor of the syrup and compote. Pour a mixture of one cup water and one tablespoon vinegar over the aloe vera pieces to remove the yellow layer and make the gel more transparent.
Avoid overcooking the gel; excessive heat will mash it and spoil the appearance of the compote.
You can add flavorings such as cardamom, cinnamon, clove, mint, or grated lemon zest. Lemon juice is also recommended for a different taste. Some people also suggest using rosewater or orange blossom water for added fragrance.
Sugar crystallization (sugar settling on the surface) occurs if you dissolve sugar on high heat. Use low heat to prevent this. Lemon juice can also reduce crystallization.
Mold formation in aloe vera compote happens when too much water is used, especially if aloe vera is cooked directly in water.
Aloe vera, also known as yellow cactus or goat’s horn, is a hardy plant with yellow flowers. It has no stem but long leaves. Aloe vera has numerous medicinal properties including:
Body strengthening
Relieving constipation and cleansing intestines
Treating indigestion
Treating epilepsy
Anti-parasitic effects
Blood purification
Relieving itching from insect bites
Treating eczema
Treating bloody diarrhea
Reducing hair loss
Treating liver congestion
Healing wounds
Acting as a facial moisturizer
Controlling blood sugar in diabetic patients
Strengthening and modulating the immune system in viral diseases such as herpes
Anti-inflammatory and healing burns
And other benefits
Note: Long-term consumption of aloe vera juice can lead to potassium deficiency and may cause health problems.
