To get aloe vera gel from plants, you'll need to extract it from the leaves. Here's how:
Steps to Extract Aloe Vera Gel
The process involves carefully cutting and extracting the gel from the aloe vera leaf.
1. Select a Mature Leaf
- Choose a bottom leaf from the aloe vera plant as they are typically the most mature and contain the most gel. As shown in a YouTube video about this, "Use a knife to slice off the bottom leaf from the gel."
2. Prepare Your Tools
- You'll need a sharp knife and a clean surface to work on. A spoon can also be helpful for scooping out the gel.
3. Cut the Leaf
- Slice off the selected leaf at its base, close to the main stalk of the plant.
4. Drain the Yellow Resin
- After cutting, you may notice a yellow liquid coming from the cut end. This is aloin, and it can be irritating. It’s best to let it drain out by standing the cut leaf upright in a glass or container for a few minutes.
5. Slice Off the Spines
- Carefully remove the spiky edges of the leaf using your knife. This step makes it safer and easier to access the gel.
6. Fillet the Leaf
- Lay the leaf flat and carefully slice through the top skin or cuticle, length-wise, without cutting through to the bottom skin. The goal is to expose the gel inside.
7. Extract the Gel
- Use a spoon to scoop out the clear gel from the inside of the leaf.
- Alternatively, you can carefully slice open the leaf and scrape out the gel.
8. Process the Gel
- The extracted gel can be used directly or blended for a smoother consistency.
9. Storage
- Store your extracted aloe vera gel in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Example
- Imagine you have a mature Aloe Vera leaf, using the steps above you can now harvest the valuable gel. You start with a healthy bottom leaf, drain the aloin, and then carefully scoop out the gel. This process is well demonstrated in the video, "How to Make Aloe Vera Gel in 90 Seconds!!".
Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select a mature, bottom leaf |
| 2 | Prepare a knife and clean surface |
| 3 | Cut the leaf from the plant |
| 4 | Allow yellow aloin to drain out |
| 5 | Slice off spiky edges |
| 6 | Fillet the leaf |
| 7 | Scoop or scrape out the gel |
| 8 | Process the gel if necessary |
| 9 | Store in airtight container |
By following these steps, you can easily extract aloe vera gel from your plant at home.
