Last Updated on October 17, 2024
Aloe vera gel is a natural substance, which has numerous applications from treating sunburns, creating soothing face masks, and using it as a dietary supplement. Being a natural gelatinous material, there is a possibility of losing its potency by exposure to elements such as UV rays, dust, and wind. So, the main issue here is how to preserve aloe vera gel. Can you freeze aloe vera gel and prolong its shelf-life? The answer to that is a resounding yes.
Table of Contents
How to Extract Pure Aloe Vera Gel from the Plant?
1. Cut off outer leaves
From a healthy aloe plant, cut off a few outer leaves close to the base which are likely to be mature. Be sure to wash your hands and use a clean knife to prevent contamination.
2. Drain the Aloe
Put the sliced leaf/leaves upright in a cup and let the yellowish resin drain for about 10-15 minutes. This liquid can be an irritant to the skin and can also cause diarrhea if ingested.
3. Peel the Leaves
You can use a vegetable peeler or a knife to carefully take away the outer part of the leaf with the spiked edges. If your leaves are too big, you can also slice them to small, manageable pieces to make the peeling easier.
4. Harvest the Gel
You can use a knife or a spoon to easily scoop out the all-clear liquid into a bowl and separate the green part from the aloe gel. Repeat on the other side and you will have a clear and gooey slab of fresh aloe.
If you harvested more than you need, there are several methods you can apply to prolong the shelf-life of your aloe gel for later use. A highly effective way to store your aloe gel is to freeze it.
How to Freeze Aloe Gel?
After you have sliced and scooped the aloe gel from the leaves, put the clear gel into an ice tray. Using an ice tray rather than a plastic container, you will be able to use small portions of aloe gel rather than having a solid block of frozen aloe gel.
You can freeze bottled Aloe Vera gel too, just be sure to buy an organic Aloe Vera Gel without artificial chemicals.
Put the ice tray in your freezer and leave it overnight for use anytime. Using a silicone ice tray with compartments also makes it easier for you to turn the tray inside out.
Transfer the frozen aloe gel into a plastic container and label it with a date for future use.
If you don’t have time to harvest your own Aloe Vera Gel, we recommend some brands:
Conclusion
Aloe vera gel is a natural remedy that is highly effective for use against sunburns and minor burns. Harvesting it properly and freezing it ensures that you have enough to last for months to come.
You can use Aloe vera gel to reduce skin irritation such as atopic dermatitis; it also aids in relieving pain, inflammation, blistering and itchiness. Indeed, it is one of nature’s greatest gifts!
Comment below if you find this article useful or if you have any questions.
Barbara is an environmental activist and sustainability advocate who loves living green and sustainable. She firmly believes in reducing her carbon footprint and has been making great strides towards achieving this goal. Barbara is a vegan and avid recycler and has been actively involved in community gardens and other green initiatives. She is passionate about spreading awareness about the importance of living in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Barbara is always looking for ways to make a difference in her community and beyond. She is a huge advocate for preserving nature and the planet for future generations.