Lesson 03

This week we are taking a little break from the “text book” and diving into an offshoot of the class that I’ve called the, Forgotten Vegetables. I go into them in the book because we are inclined to go for the same vegetable we see at the market every time, those that are generally factory farmed. Through the years and decades of shopping like this we’ve lost the use of other really important ingredients, ones that carry super beneficial properties. Last week on my instagram we spoke on the jujube, sometimes called red or Chinese date. I gave a recipe for the most comforting, easiest winter snack for anytime of the day, a whole steamed Asian pear hollowed out to fit in a jujube, goji and honey.

This week its the aloe vera. I always connect with it for it hydrating powers both in and out of the body. In a quick google search I found out it also has 75 active ingredients, including enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, some of which could make it useful for treating diseases. It’s a remedy to treat burns and other skin conditions and to heal wounds but also diabetes, heartburn, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and many others. It also can act as a lightweight moisturizer, makeup primer and remover, treatment for irritated scalp and my go-to a super hydrating winter face mist I use all winter long to combat dry skin from indoor heat.

IN and OUT of BODY ALOE RECIPES

ALWAY LEACH ALOE FIRST - The essential process of removing the latex toxin from the leaf by soaking it in water after you cut it is called leaching. Not doing so can make you nauseous if ingested or can irritate the skin when using topically. The duration of the soak I’ve seen be done for 20 minutes and up to 24 hours. I allow it to soak for 1-2 hours. You will see a yellowish substance ooze out when initially cut and also the soaking water will turn yellow, pink or brown as it leaches the toxic matter.

Afterwards remove the pulp using a knife or a vegetable peeler. First remove the spiny thorn edges, a peeler works especially great for this. Remove top layer of the outer rind by gliding your peeler or knife as close to its interior as you can. At this point you can simply scoop out the pulp with a spoon or glide a knife against the rind. Theres so many ways to skin an aloe and many YouTube demos to prove it, pick one and go.

FACE MIST

Its winter, you’re parched from the heater, spray this all day long. Water alone in a mister can dry you out more, think of the tightness you feel when you get out of the shower. Vegetable glycerine added to the mist is essential to keeping your face oils intact, it also tightens pores and balances your pH.

Ratio

80% aloe juice, recipe below or store bought

10% vegetable glycerine

5% skin oil (your favorite brand of facial oil or olive oil)

5% vitamin e

I also like to also add a touch of SOS Chefs housemade orange blossom water for a dreamy scent. 5% of total yield is plenty.

HYDRATING TONIC

1 1/2 cups aloe juice, recipe below or store bought

2 cups filtered or spring water

juice of 1 lime or lemon

2 tablespoon honey, maple or agave

1/4 teaspoon pink or sea salt

Mix and chill. Take a shot or two every time you’re feeling dehydrated.

Aloe Juice

yields 1 1/2 cups

-the pulp of one large leaf that has been leached

(the ones you see at bodegas, botanicas, Whole Foods Markets, & etc.)

-1/2 cup filtered or spring water

Add to a blender and blend for a minute on medium. Careful not to over blend resulting in the mixture becoming warm. Stain through a fine mesh strainer.

See you next week for part two the great modern mother sauces. Thanks for joining.