Aloe vera gel is a natural substance that is used worldwide for a variety of purposes, including treating sunburned skin, making face masks, and as a dietary supplement. These benefits are most optimally obtained when the gel is taken directly from the plant. However, aloe vera gel storage is a little difficult. There are three main methods that can be used to extend the shelf life of freshly harvested gel: freezing the gel, mixing the gel with honey, and mixing the gel with vitamin C.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Freezing Aloe Vera Gel
Step 1. Take an ice cube tray to store the aloe vera gel
Freeze the gel in an ice cube tray-rather than in a large container-so you can pick up individual gel blocks whenever you need them.
- Silicone trays are the best option because you can turn them upside down.
- Small plastic containers can also be used instead of ice cube trays.
Step 2. Fill the tray with aloe vera gel and place it in the freezer
Once full, the gel is ready to freeze. Place the tray flat in the freezer to prevent the gel from spilling out.
Step 3. Freeze the aloe vera gel overnight
Leaving the gel block overnight will give it plenty of time to freeze. The gel block must be completely frozen in order to last. So, let it sit for a long time in the freezer before taking it out.
Step 4. Transfer the gel blocks into a sealed plastic bag labeled with the date
Aloe vera gel blocks can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. Storing the gel block in the bag will make it easier for you to access it when you want to use it. You can use aloe vera blocks to:
- Treat sunburned skin
- Make your own soap
- Make Smoothies
- Make hair freshener gel
Method 2 of 3: Mixing it with Honey
Step 1. Pour aloe vera gel into a plastic container
The container should be large enough to contain the honey and the gel in it.
- Use a smaller container if this is more suitable for your storage arrangement.
- Containers must have lids to prevent contaminants from entering.
Step 2. Mix honey and aloe vera gel in a 1:1 ratio
Honey has a low water content and a high natural sugar content which will help to preserve the gel longer than aloe vera which naturally preserves itself.
- This process is the same as storing or preserving fruit in syrup.
- Using high quality honey that is free of preservatives will ensure the gel lasts longer.
Step 3. Store the gel in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 8 months
Keep the gel away from direct sunlight. Aloe vera that has been combined with honey can be mixed with other products. The options can be:
- Facial scrub
- Bath soap
- Hair products
Method 3 of 3: Mixing it with Vitamin C
Step 1. Put the aloe vera gel into the blender, but don't turn it on yet
In its raw state, aloe vera has a sticky, gelatinous texture and is difficult to use for various purposes.
Blending the gel will allow it to separate and melt. This will facilitate the processing of the gel
Step 2. Add crushed vitamin C tablets into powder
For every cup (60 ml) of aloe vera, add 500 mg of vitamin C to the mixture. Once mixed, this combination will help preserve the gel for up to 8 months in the refrigerator.
You can buy vitamin C at your local grocery or pharmacy
Step 3. Blend the gel on high setting for a few seconds
The blending process will ensure that the vitamin C mixes well with the aloe vera and the texture becomes liquid and decomposes. Once done, you will get aloe vera juice.
The juice will be more watery and will no longer have a jelly-like texture
Step 4. Transfer the juice to a sealed plastic container
A foamy layer will form on top of the liquid, but will disappear after a few days. So, no need to worry.
Step 5. Put the juice in the refrigerator for storage
The juice is now ready to use or stored for up to a month.
- Although you can drink it straight away, aloe vera juice goes well with other juices, smoothies, and teas.
- You can also use aloe vera juice as a moisturizer, body wash, and hair freshener shampoo.
Warning
- If you are harvesting the gel directly from the plant, the aloe vera leaf should be placed vertically in the water after the tip has been slightly sliced to remove the aloin (a yellow, bitter-tasting crystalline compound).
- Aloin is a very strong laxative and if not removed can cause some unwanted effects in people who consume aloe products.
