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How to Preserve Aloe Leaves
How to Preserve Aloe Leaves. Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used for thousands of years to topically treat burns, wounds and other skin conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. The fresh leaf is the best source of the pure aloe gel that is used on the skin. Many of the commercial preparations are adulterated with preservatives or...
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used for thousands of years to topically treat burns, wounds and other skin conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. The fresh leaf is the best source of the pure aloe gel that is used on the skin. Many of the commercial preparations are adulterated with preservatives or processed to keep the aloe gel fresh. But the aloe itself can be preserved at home and used whenever the occasion calls for some healing aloe medicine.
Things You'll Need
Freezer
Jars
Apple cider vinegar
Ziploc bag
Small pot
Potting soil
Freeze the leaves. The best method for storing and preserving your aloe vera leaves is to put them in airtight Ziploc bags and put them in the freezer. Aloe will keep indefinitely if frozen and should not be heated to defrost. Instead, set the leaves out at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Pickle the leaves. Scrub and wash the aloe leaves. Run the jar or jars through the dishwasher on high temperature. Thoroughly dry the jars. Fill the jars with aloe leaves. Pour in apple cider vinegar to the top of the jar. Close lid tightly and refrigerate. Pickled aloe will keep for several months in the refrigerator.
Plant the leaves. Many people plant aloe leaves in a small pot with dry soil in order to always have fresh aloe leaf on hand. Keep the aloe leaf in a warm place with partial sun to encourage rooting and overall health. Make sure to only slightly water the top layer of soil as aloe is a desert plant and thrives in climates that are mostly dry. This method will work best with leaves that have some stem or root attached to them.
