You Should Keep Aloe Vera In Your Kitchen. Here's Why

When it comes to keeping plants in the kitchen, you might think of little herb gardens by the window, regrowing vegetable scraps, or even just as decor to keep your kitchen green and lively. One plant you should always keep close by all your appliances is aloe vera. 

Aloe vera is largely known for its use to soothe sunburns, and, similarly, you can use aloe vera to treat mild burns that happen in the kitchen as well, according to Food Network. When this happens (and hopefully not often), UAMS Health advises to cut open the leaves of an aloe vera plant and put the sap right on your skin. Before that, you may also consider popping the aloe vera in the fridge for even more cooling relief.

Next time you're using a hot cast-iron skillet, you might want to pre-plan with some aloe vera waiting in the fridge, just in case. Just note, although this trick works in a pinch and for minor mishaps, medical treatment should be sought out for serious burns.

Burns aren't the only reason to keep aloe vera around in the kitchen. You can actually eat it as well, which may provide its own health benefits. For example, according to Penn Medicine, aloe vera gel and the juice from the stalks can be great for digestive health and may even aid in easing constipation.

Wondering what exactly aloe vera tastes like and why it's so popular in Asian and Caribbean dishes? McCormick describes it as starting off a bit bitter but with a mild sweetness as it moves around your mouth. Before using aloe vera in a dish, be sure to clean and slice it properly, though. The Star breaks down how to prep aloe vera, which first involves cutting off the top, bottom, and spines of the plant, then peeling away all the green skin to reveal the translucent, edible part. Finally, rinse the gel in water before preparing it in whatever dish you desire. The Star has a great recipe for a Southwest Smoothie utilizing aloe vera.

The blog Full of Plants also shares a recipe for making aloe vera jelly, which you can add to drinks for a low-calorie boba texture.