Seeking help in processing aloe vera gel for long-term use

shllnzl

The plant-aholic and decluttering threads encouraged me to ask for help with excess aloe vera plants.

I need to learn to discard baby plants that I cannot use. I have three large planters outside with aloe and they are not cold hardy enough for this climate. I also confess to having six small aloe vera potted plants inside the house.

I gave away all the plant pups I could (now I had a sudden mental image of a litter of dog pups needing adoption!!).

My inside plants are available fresh for first aid needs. I would like to process the rest for maybe salve or even edible uses.

Does anyone know how to preserve aloe vera gel in any form? Your help would be appreciated.

Jaylene

After you cut a leaf off let the yellowish sap drain off, cut the skin off of one side and scoop out the pulp. Then you can put it in a blender for a smoother mixture and then add citric acid to help preserve it ( about 1/4 t per 1/2 cup) if you want to use it within 2-3 days store in the refrigerator otherwise you can freeze it. I find it helpful to put in ice cube trays, freeze it and then bag it. Hope this helps😊

monica197

I have filleted the leaves and then dehydrated the filets. It is a-mazing how much it shrinks down and how much aloe you can get into a jar that can then sit on the shelf. I have had some on the shelf for two years now.

marjstratton

Never even considered dehydrating Aloe since it is such a wet plant!

shllnzl

@Jaylene @monica197 Thanks for the great info. I think I will try both methods.

Tave

I do the same thing @monica197 does.

It's just easier to store dehydrated. Then I can throw a little in my bitters when I make them, and they don't dilute the alcohol.

annbeck62

I also process in a blender then freeze in ice cube trays to use in smoothies and other edible. I haven't dehydrated any yet but was planning on turning it into a powder and using in body care products I make. I've seen aloe vera powder online but it's really expensive so I'm hoping once dehydrated it will be easy to powder.