Aloe vera gel is a natural substance that is used around the world for a wide range of applications, for example to treat sunburn, make face masks or as a dietary supplement. The greatest benefits are obtained when extracting the gel directly from the plant and it is important to know how to store it. You can choose from three different methods to extend the life of the aloe vera gel, all of which are equally effective: freeze it, combine it with honey or vitamin C.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Store the Aloe Vera Gel in the Freezer
Step 1. Use the ice cube mold
Freeze the aloe vera gel in the ice cube mold, rather than in a single block, so you can easily use only what you need, when you need it.
- The ideal is to use a silicone ice mold to be able to push out the gel cubes with ease.
- If you don't have an ice cube mold, you can use small plastic containers.
Step 2. Fill the mold with aloe vera gel and place it in the freezer
Once in the mold, the gel is ready to be frozen. Make sure the mold is perfectly horizontal in the freezer to prevent the gel from accidentally spilling out.
Step 3. Let the aloe vera gel freeze overnight
Wait until the next day so that the gel has time to freeze completely. Cubes need to be completely frozen for storage, so be sure to leave them in the freezer for long enough.
Step 4. Transfer the cubes to a resealable plastic bag and write the date on the label
You can keep the aloe vera gel cubes in the freezer for up to a year. By keeping them in a bag you will be able to access them easily when you decide to use them. Aloe vera gel can be used in many ways, for example:
- To treat sunburn;
- To prepare soap at home;
- In a smoothie;
- As a nourishing hair gel
Method 2 of 3: Store Aloe Vera Gel with Honey
Step 1. Pour the aloe vera gel into a food container
The container must be large enough to accommodate the honey as well.
- You can use a single large container or many small containers, depending on your needs.
- The container must have a lid to protect the gel from any possible contaminants.
Step 2. Add the honey in a ratio of 1: 1 with the aloe vera gel
Honey has a minimal water content compared to sugars which therefore act as preservatives and extend the life of the gel.
- This process is similar to the one used when putting canned fruit in syrup.
- Use a good quality honey, without preservatives, to ensure the longest possible life of the aloe vera gel.
Step 3. Store the aloe vera and honey mixture at room temperature or in the refrigerator and use within the next 8 months
Make sure the container is not exposed to direct sunlight. Since aloe vera gel is mixed with honey, you can easily add it to cosmetic products for body and hair care by taking advantage of its properties. The options include:
- Face scrub;
- Shower gel;
- Shampoos and other hair products.
Method 3 of 3: Store Aloe Vera Gel with Vitamin C
Step 1. Pour the aloe vera gel into the blender, but wait to blend it
In its natural state, aloe vera has a jelly-like texture which makes it a bit tricky to use for some purposes.
By blending the gel, you can make it more liquid and easier to use
Step 2. Add vitamin C tablets
Use 500mg of Vitamin C for every 60ml of aloe vera gel. Mash the tablets with the spoon and pour them into the blender. Vitamin C can extend the shelf life of the gel up to 8 months if you keep it in the refrigerator.
You can buy vitamin C in tablets at any pharmacy or drugstore
Step 3. Blend the gel on high speed for a few seconds
Vitamin C will blend with the aloe vera gel making it more liquid and workable. After blending it, it will have the same consistency of aloe vera juice that you can find ready for sale.
The juice will have a much more liquid and less gelatinous consistency than the gel
Step 4. Transfer the juice to a plastic container with a lid
A layer of foam will have formed on the surface, but don't worry, after a few days the foam will disappear.
Step 5. Return the container to the refrigerator
Aloe vera juice is ready to use and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
- You can consume aloe vera juice in the form of a drink, combined with a fruit juice of your choice, with tea or added to a smoothie.
- Aloe vera juice can also be used to cleanse and moisturize the skin or hair.
Warnings
- If you intend to extract the aloe vera gel directly from the plant, cut a leaf and place it vertically in a container full of water to lose the aloe vera substance, a substance that could be toxic.
- Aloin has a very powerful laxative effect and, if not removed, can cause unwanted effects.
