UNY Support the innovation of Aloe Vera as alternative food and beverage

Aloe vera grows a lot in Sitimulyo. "Unfortunately, people rarely use them, so many of these plants are left to rot and even thrown away. For this reason, we are trying to process them into chips and drinks," said Mustofa Agil from the Sitimulyo Youth Organization.

Anindya Nurlaili stated that aloe vera contains vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and E. These three types of vitamins are antioxidants. Vitamin C is essential for forming iron, supporting the immune system, and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Aloe vera also contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline. It also contains calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and zinc.

Making aloe vera chips requires a washing and soaking process with salt and whiting for 30 minutes to 1 hour. "For now, only original flavored chips are available," said Devi Eka Fadila. For aloe vera ice, raw aloe vera must complete the process of removing mucus and then boiling it with pandan, sugar, and water until cooked.

Dr. Fitri Rahmawati, UNY's culinary education lecturer, said that the aloe vera processing business from the Sitimulyo Youth Organization was one of UNY's commitments to promote alternative food and beverage ingredient and reducing poverty. "Until now, there have not been many aloe vera processing businesses. Therefore, the food and beverage business made from aloe vera has good development potential," Fitri said. (Dedy, Tj. Lak)