Centuries before the commercialisation of products made using aloe vera, people in parts of Nalgonda district had learnt to put the medicinal plant to optimum use to keep themselves healthy and fit.
Those living in and around Alair prepare a unique recipe with aloe vera flowers, locally called Kalabanda, to improve their immunity. The flower is found in abundance in the months of November, December and January here.
Speaking to The Hindu , A. Papaiah, a resident of Kolanupaka, who also collects the flowers of aloe vera in this season, said every household in the village makes this recipe.
Since these flowers grow up to 12 inches, they could be cut into two to three pieces depending on its length before boiling it for about ten minutes. They could also be cut into smaller pieces. An equal amount of finely-chopped onion should be added. The process of making it is similar to those of other curries.
P. Yadamma, another resident, said that everyone, including the old and the young, likes the dish.
With the flowers being available in abundance for free, she said they can make the recipe at least a dozen times in this season.
Besides, the villagers also eat the pulp of the plant with sugar. Papaiah, who is in his 70s, said the practice of making a dish out of aloe vera has been there for centuries. “My grandfather used to tell me that it’s a healthy diet and I am more than happy to follow it now,” the Septuagenarian added.
