Healthy Aloe Vera and White Fungus Dessert

A very versatile plant, Aloe Vera, belonging to the lily family contains natural therapeutic and beautifying properties. Referred to as a ‘Miracle Plant’, Aloe Vera is widely used in the preparation of various herbal medicines, cosmetics and beauty products.

Aloe Vera comprises of more than seventy-five effective components, which includes the twenty amino acids and the eight essential amino acids indispensable for the human body. Besides these, they also contain certain enzymes effective for metabolic health, essential vitamins, minerals, poly-saccharides that render immune-stimulating properties along with its magical healing touch. The substances in Aloe Vera such as Salicylic Acid, Saponins and Sterols provide its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

(Adapted from Read and Digest).

Pls click Read and Digest to know more about the benefits of Aloe Vera and its uses.  

When my neighbour (also a good friend) gave me some Aloe Vera, I was in seventh heaven!  Immediately, I started cleaning and harvesting the aloe gel.  It is not an easy task to get the aloe gel if you are not familiar with the correct technique.  Unfortunately, I didn't capture any photos during the harvesting of the aloe gel as it's quite messy to do it all on my own.  

Steps to harvest the Aloe Gel :

1)  Clean the leaf thoroughly.  Then, cut away the serrated edges of both sides of the leaf.  Be careful , they are quite sharp!

2)  Using a sharp knife, run the knife just under the surface and peel it away.

3)  Flip the leave over and do the same to the other side.

4)  Transfer the aloe gel to a storage container with a lid.  Store it in the fridge or in the freezer.

Whenever you feel like preparing any recipe using aloe vera, you would have aloe gel ever ready waiting for you in the fridge!

Aloe Vera and White Fungus Dessert is a very healthy dessert as white fungus nourishes and moistens the lungs, as well as improves our skin complexion.

How to Prepare White Fungus:

1)  Rinse and soak the white fungus in cold water until it expand and soften. Rinse until clean.
2)  Trim and discard the hard bottom of the white fungus.

3)  Tear the florets into small pieces.  You can store the balance in the fridge or freezer for future use.

Recipe for Healthy Aloe Vera and White Fungus Dessert :

Ingredients :

- 1 cup of Aloe Vera gel (cubed)

- 1 cup of White Fungus (softened and torn into small pieces)

- Some red dates (washed)

- 1 tbsp Chinese Wolfberries/goji berries (washed)

- 1 pc sugar cane candy or sugar (to taste)

- Some pandan leaves/screwpine (washed and knotted) 

- water enough for the dessert

Method :

1)  Fill a medium sized pot with water enough for the dessert.

2)  Add white fungus and red dates.  Let it boil for about 15 minutes.

3)  Then, add aloe gel, Chinese Wolfberries and pandan leaves.  

4)  Continue to cook for about 5 to 10 minutes.

5) Add sugar.

6)  Serve hot or cold.

If you prefer cold, keep it in a fridge before serving.

A very healthy and nutritious dessert enjoy by all members of the family 

Do give it a try.  You would love it!

I'm linking this post to September 2013 Cooking With Herbs Blog Challenge hosted by Lavender and Lovage.

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