Storing Aloe Vera Gel Effectively: Ways to Harvest Them

Do you know there is a saying that aloe vera comes without an expiry date, but they also say the shelf life of gel is too short?

For me, it was difficult to figure out how to keep aloe vera gel from going bad. I use it as natural skincare for soothing sunburns, acne, and hydrating the scalp too, but when it comes to storing it for a longer time, I used to fail here. I had the worst experience with this, really.

I was looking for the easiest way to store the gel and package it for as long as possible, so I started some experiments and trials and didn’t stop until I learned to come up with the best plan so that I could advise others too.

Nobody would want to waste their time extracting aloe vera gel from the leaves and then not being able to keep the precious gel for as long as possible. So why not store the aloe vera gel using natural preservatives? Yes, you heard it right. Let’s learn how to store it effectively.

Aloe vera gel:

Aloe vera gel is used all over the world for a variety of applications such as treating sunburn and creating facial masks and as a dietary supplement. The most beneficial part of growing aloe vera gel is, it can be harvested directly from the plant.

You can increase the life of freshly harvested gel using three main methods such as:

• Freezing the gel
• Mixing the gel with honey
• Mixing the gel with vitamin C.

Different ways for storing Aloe Vera Gel Without Refrigeration:

The following are some different methods for preserving aloe vera gel without refrigeration:

Method 1: Using Natural Preservatives:

The simplest and most natural way to preserve aloe vera gel without any refrigeration is by using natural preservatives that will not only help to increase shelf life but will also add benefits to your skin. The following are the methods to use it:

• You need to select the right natural preservative as you will find various natural preservatives, including grapefruit seed extract, name, oil, or rosemary extract which have anti-miracle properties that will stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, and molds.
• Now you need to prepare the aloe vera gel by extracting it from the aloe vera plant in which you need to cut open a fresh leaf and scoop out with the help of a spoon or knife and then keep the gel in a clean bowl.
• Now you need to add a few drops of selected natural preservative to the gel of at least 0.5 to 1% to the total volume of the gel. Make sure to follow all the instructions that are provided on the preservative that will ensure proper usage.
• It is time to mix the mixture gently, stir, or whisk the gel. To provide consistent protection make sure the preservative is evenly incorporated which will provide protection against spoilage.
• Now you need to transfer the preserved aloe vera gel into a clean, airtight container that you can use a dark or opaque container that will help to protect the gel from light exposure that will result in degrading beneficial properties. Make sure to label the container and mention the date of preservation for reference.
• You need to keep the container in a cool, dry place which should be away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. the high temperature around the container can accelerate spoilage, so make sure to keep the gel in a cool environment.

The usage of natural preservatives is actually a safe and effective way that will help you to store aloe vera gel without any refrigeration which will help not only extend the shelf life but also provide additional skincare benefits. 

Method 2: Using Citric Acid:

Using citric acid which is available widely and is effective as a food preservative will be helpful in preserving the aloe vera gel. Using citric acid also maintains the pH level of the gel and will not allow the growth of bacteria and fungi. Here are some steps you need to follow to use citric acid for preserving the aloe vera gel:

• First of all, you need to extract the gel from fresh aloe vera leaves and remember to remove any yellowish sap near the skin. You can use a spoon or knife to scoop out the gel and keep it in a clean bowl.
• Now you need to add citric acid in a small amount for about 0.2-0.4% of the total volume of the gel and sprinkle the acid into the bowl.
• You need to use a spoon or whisk to mix the citric acid into aloe vera gel and continue mixing it until the acid is fully dissolved and evenly distributed in the gel.
• It’s time to pour the preserved aloe vera gel into a clean airtight container and use a dark k or opaque container that will protect your gel from exposure to light.
• At last, you need to label the container using a date for preservation and store the gel in a cool, dry place and it should be away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Using the acid will extend the shelf life of aloe vera gel as a natural preservative, by helping aloe vera to prevent spoilage and maintain the freshness of the gel. It will result in storing the aloe vera gel without refrigeration and you can enjoy the soothing benefits of the gel for a longer period.

Method 3: Using Vitamin E Oil:

Vitamin E oil is not only good for the skin but you can use it as a natural preservative which will help to extend the shelf life of aloe vera gel without the process of refrigeration. It does consist of antioxidant properties which help preventing the oxidation of the gel. Make sure to keep it fresh so that you can use it for a longer period. Here are some steps you need to follow that will help you to know how to use the vitamin E oil to preserve aloe vera gel:

• Harvest the gel to preserve it by cutting a matured aloe vera leaf using a spoon or knife and then scoop out the gel into a clean bowl.
• Now you can add a few drops of vitamin E oil with an amount of around 0.5 to 1% of the total value of the gel and mix the mixture nicely together.
• You can use a spoon or whisk to blend the gel and the vitamin oil well until they combine together. Make sure the oil is evenly distributed into the gel.
• The next step is to pour the preserved vera gel into a clean airtight container. For that, I will suggest you use a dark container which will protect the gel from exposure which will affect the beneficial properties of the gel.
• The last step is to label the container with the date of preservation so that it will help you in future reference.
• Now, store the container in a cool dry place, which is away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Mixing the beta, vitamin E oil with aloe vera gel will not only increase the life of the gel, but it will also benefit in nourishing the properties of the oil as the vitamin E oil will keep the gel fresh which is overall effective. Make sure to follow all the steps mentioned above to preserve the aloe vera gel without the process of refrigeration

Method 4: Using Essential Oils:

Essential oil is not famous for its aromatic properties but it does consist of anti-microbial properties which make it perfect to use as a natural preservative for the elevated gel as it helps inhibit the growth of bacteria fungi and molds all of which result in extending the shelf life of the gel without refrigeration. the following are some ways to use the essential oil that will help you to preserve the aloe vera gel:

• First of all, you need to extract the gel from fresh aloe vera leaves and remember to remove any yellowish sap near the skin. You can use a spoon or knife to scoop out the gel and keep it in a clean bowl.
• The next is to select the essential oil that not only complements the suiting properties of the gel but also has anti-micro benefits such as Tea tree oil, lavender oil, and rosemary Oil are good choices for using to preserve aloe vera gel.
• Now you need to add a few drops of the oil in a diluted ratio of around 1 to 2% of the total volume of the gel. You can add the essential oil directly into the aloe vera gel.
• You need to use a spoon or whisk to mix the essential oil into aloe vera gel and continue mixing it until the acid is fully dissolved and evenly distributed in the gel.
• It’s time to pour the preserved aloe vera gel into a clean airtight container and use a dark k or opaque container that will protect your gel from exposure to light.
• Lastly, you need to label the container using a date for preservation and store the gel in a cool, dry place and it should be away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Using the essential oil to complete the preservation process will help increase the shelf life of gel and add therapeutic benefits.

Method 5: Using Alcohol:

Using alcohol like rubbing alcohol or vodka will be effective for preserving aloe vera gel and help to extend the shelf life of the gel without involving refrigerator. The alcohol is successful in it because it consists of antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi all of this will keep your gel fresh and safe to use further.

The following are steps you need to follow to use alcohol to preserve aloe vera gel:

• First of all, you need to extract the gel from fresh aloe vera leaves and remember to remove any yellowish sap near the skin. You can use a spoon or knife to scoop out the gel and keep it in a clean bowl.
• You need to remove any yellowish sap near the skin and make sure to collect it in a clean bowl.
• To mix it with aloe vera gel you need to select the alcohol that is high proof such as rubbing alcohol or vodka that consists of at least 70% to be effective as a preservative.
• Next, you need a small amount of alcohol for about 1-2% of the total volume of the gel and you can add the alcohol directly into the gel.
• It is time to mix the mixture gently, stir, or whisk the gel. To provide consistent protection make sure the preservative is evenly incorporated which will provide protection against spoilage.
• It’s time to pour the preserved aloe vera gel into a clean airtight container and use a dark k or opaque container that will protect your gel from exposure to light.
• At last, you need to label the container using a date for preservation and store the gel in a cool, dry place and it should be away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

The alcohol will increase the shelf life of the gel and maintain the quality of effectiveness of the gel. Using of alcohol in aloe vera gel preservation is totally safe to use and doesn’t require any refrigeration

Method 6: Using Freezer Storage:

Having space in your freezer is the other option to choose for storing aloe vera gel by using freezer storage that will help retain the freshness and nutrients of the gel for a longer period. The following are some ways to use freezer storage for preserving the aloe vera gel:

• First of all, you need to extract the gel from fresh aloe vera leaves and remember to remove any yellowish sap near the skin. You can use a spoon or knife to scoop out the gel and keep it in a clean bowl.
• The next step is to divide the gel into portions that depend on its usage needs. Using  Small, freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays is good for storing aloe vera gel. Make sure to leave the room at the top of the container which will help in expansioning during freezing.
• The next step is to cover the containers with lids or wrap the containers tightly using plastic wrap. Make sure to label the container with the date of freezing will be beneficial in future reference.
• You need to place the container in the freezer and make sure there is not any leakage or spillage. Also, allow the gel to freeze out completely which may take some hours. 
• In case of using the gel, remove the gel from the freezer and make it thaw at room temperature. I will suggest you not use microwaving or hot water to complete the thawing process because having a high temperature will affect the quality of the gel.
• After thawing you need to use aloe vera gel at a perfect time frame and dont use the discarded gel again. So for using the gel, you need to repeat the thawing process whenever you need.

With the help of freezer storage, you can preserve the gel for a longer period which will help to maintain the freshness and beneficial properties of the gel. 

Why store aloe vera gel without refrigeration?

We all know that preserving the item can be done using a refrigerator which is always the most convenient option but storing aloe vera gel is not good for it. The following are some reasons why you dont need to store aloe vera gel in the refrigerator

Convenience: 

The process of refrigerating aloe vera gel in a refrigerator will take up much space if you are already dealing with limited storage capacity.

Travel-friendly:

In case of traveling, you can take away the refrigeration so you need to find alternative methods for storing the gel so that you can carry it with you wherever you go.

Preservation: 

Preserving it in a refrigerator will change the consistency and texture of aloe vera gel which makes it less effective, so if you keep the gel at room temperature or use other methods for preserving get will maintain the quality and effectiveness of the aloe vera gel to stay for longer period.                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Avoiding wastage: 

Preserving by refrigeration will make the aloe vera gel prone to mold or bacterial growth if not stored properly. If you find other storage methods rather them refrigeration it will prevent wastage and will keep the gel safe to use again.

Deciding to store aloe vera gel using another method rather than refrigeration, you can maintain the freshness and efficacy of the gel.

Tips for Storing Aloe Vera Gel:

You need to maintain proper storage to maintain the quality and effectiveness of aloe vera gel. To store aloe vera gel effectively you need to follow the helpful tips that I have mentioned below:

• Make sure to use a clean spoon, knives, and bowls while dealing with aloe vera gel preserving that helps in preventing contamination and will allow the gel to keep fresh.
• Use a container that has airtight seals that will prevent air exposure. Getting in contact with oxygen will deteriorate the gel and reduce the beneficial properties of the gel.
• Always store the aloe vera gel in a container that is dark or opaque and will keep the gel protected from light exposure because it will result in degrading the beneficial properties of the gel.
• You need to label the container with a date of preservation or freezing as that will help to keep track of the gel that is fresh and keep the timeline record.
• Make sure to keep the gel in a cool, dry place so that it’s away from direct sunlight and too much heat because exposure to high temperatures will accelerate spoilage and decrease the gel’s effectiveness.
• Always wash your hands before using aloe vera gel which prevents any bacteria or other contaminants from growing in the gel. Make sure not to dip the fingers directly into the gel which will maintain the purity of the gel.

• You need to check the stored gel, in case there are any changes in color, texture, or odor in the gel, and if you find any unusual or off-putting signs you need to remove the gel and start to prepare a fresh aloe vera gel again.
• Now it’s time to consider the batch size that depends on usage so that there are low chances of spoilage and make the gel to be used for a certain timeframe.
• In the case of extracting the gel from the plant, you need to make sure to properly remove the yellow sap present near the skin because it will result in a bitter taste and reduce the quality of the gel.
• Having limited options for storage or storing the gel in portions will help to extend the shelf life of the gel with freshness and beneficial properties.

How to Harvest Aloe Vera:

The following Are some steps that you need to follow to harvest aloe vera:

Step 1-Cut off a leaf:

Using the sharp knife, you need to cut the leaves that are large and healthy so cut leaves as close as possible.

Step 2-Drain:

Thinking of eating the gel you need to know that the leaves contain aloin which is a yellowish orange sap that will result in diarrhea as the sap is used to produce near the stalk so when you remove the leaves Make sure to drain aloin from the end cut off before it gets consume into the gel.

You can remove the yellowish sap by making the leaves lay on the flat or place it in a drinking glass and cut the end of the leaf and let go of the yellow sap from the cut after which you can wash the leaf and let it dry.

Step 3: Cut aloe vera leaf in half:

To cut the aloe vera, lay the leaf flat on a cutting board, cut the leaves into halves of length, and then use a paring knife to help remove the skin from the top.

Step 4- Scoop:

To scoop out the gel, you need to use a spoon. For using it you can apply the gel to the skin or freeze so that you can apply it on inflamed skin, cuts, or wounds. For eating it you can add it to smoothies, drinks, or salad dressing as soon as you harvest them.

Conclusion:

After reading the article it will be easy for you to store aloe vera gel using different methods not only just refrigeration. Make sure to complete the process by adding a limited quantity as I have mentioned above.