Aloe Vera is considered a plant with no economic value, but in the hands of a young man from Nglipar, Gunungkidul regency, Alan Efendi, Aloe Vera is transformed into a ready-to-drink beverage with high economic value. It is interesting to observe the process of Aloe Vera, for that reason, Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta and thirty students held a study visit in Katongan village, Nglipar, Gunungkidul (27/08/2022).
Nglipar, Gunung Kidul is an area with high temperatures and low rainfall, so only a few plants are suitable for cultivation here, Aloe Vera is one of the plants that can thrive. This was the beginning of Alan Efendi cultivating the Aloe Vera plant and processing it into a fresh and commercial drink.
The common type of Aloe Vera cultivated by Alan and the people in Nglipar is Chinensis Baker which can be harvested for years. This food and beverage product made by Alan Efendi uses the brand ‘Rasane Vera’, which was established in 2014. This business implements a concept of driving the economy of the surrounding community. 'Rasane Vera' initiated by Alan Efendi came from his anxiety about the local potency in Nglipar, his passion to develop his village and to bring impact to the community. There are many challenges and skepticism when he brought it to the market, however due to the persistence and inquiry to develop the business, now the product is known by many people.
The study visit allowed the participants to practice directly processing Aloe Vera into ready-to-drink packaged drinks. They were divided into 2 groups to practice. The processing step is as follows: first, prepare 12 months old Chinensis Baker Aloe vera, then peel the outer skin and cut it into cubes. Second, wash Aloe Vera thoroughly with running water to remove mucus. Third, soak Aloe Vera in the citric acid solution for 6-7 hours, and wash it again. Fourth, boil Aloe Vera for 15 minutes so that it is cooked. Fifth, prepare rock sugar that has been melted in hot water and put it in a cup for packing. Sixth, pack when the sugar water in the cup is cold enough to keep the Aloe Vera more durable, then Aloe Vera is ready to be marketed. Besides the body refreshment drinks, Aloe vera contains several benefits for human health, such as lowering blood pressure, improving human digestion, lowering hypertension, and smoothing intestinal disorders.
A study visit about processing Aloe Vera into ready-to-drink packaged drinks with the commercial value provided knowledge and experience for Stube HEMAT students to develop their local potency. No matter how much profit we get in our business, how much effort we make, be happy to be a blessing for others. ***