How to Preserve Fresh Aloe Gel

Aloe Vera is commonly used as an external topical application for sunburns, minor burns, abrasions, acne and dry skin. Pure aloe gel tends to deteriorate quickly once the leaf has been damaged, so most commercially produced aloe gels go through a pasteurization process and have additional preservatives or ingredients added to extend the product's shelf life. Alternatively, you may choose to grow your own aloe plant at home, procuring the unadulterated gel any time you need it. Preserving the fresh gel can also be done by following a few simple guidelines.

Things You'll Need

• Aloe Vera plant
• Serrated knife
• Cutting board
• Spoon
• Food-safe, glass jar
• Vitamin E
• Citric acid powder

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Instructions

• 1

  For best preservation, aloe must first be harvested correctly. Choose a thick, healthy-looking outer leaf on your plant.

• 2

  Cut the leaf at an angle close to the base of the plant. Try to only harvest what you need, one to two leaves at the most at one time.

• 3

  Place the leaf upright in a container and let it drain of sap for 10 minutes.

• 4

  Fillet the aloe vera leaf using a serrated knife. Hold the knife parallel to the cutting board as you slice off the top skin layer. Avoid cutting into the gel too much.

• 5

  Cut away the two sides, holding the knife at a 45 degree angle to the cutting board.

• 6

  Scoop all of the clear aloe gel from the bottom skin layer.

• 7

  Place the aloe in a dark-colored, food-safe, glass jar.

• 8

  Add a drop of Vitamin E or a small amount of citric acid powder to prevent the gel from going brown too soon.

• 9

  Store the gel in the refrigerator in the sealed jar. Use within a week.

• 10

  Throw the gel away when it becomes discolored.