Use a permanent marker to write the date on the plastic wrap so you remember how long you have before you need to use it.
For an extra measure of protection, you could even wrap the leaf in plastic wrap before putting it into the plastic bag.
Never defrost a frozen aloe leaf in the microwave—this’ll change the consistency and will drastically decrease its health benefits!
If you are using a leaf you just got from a plant at home, set it upright in a glass or jar for about 15 minutes before moving on. This will allow the aloin (a red/yellow liquid) to drain out of the leaf. Aloin can cause diarrhea and other stomach problems if it’s consumed.
Be cautious when handling the aloe leaf that you don’t cut your hand on the spikes that run along each side.
Using a smaller, sharp knife gives you more control than if you were to use a larger chef’s knife.
When you’re done, the green exterior of the aloe should be gone, leaving you with the opaque gel from the center. If there are small streaks of green you can’t remove with your peeler, use your knife to carefully slice them away. The aloe will be sticky and a little slimy. Try to keep your hand that holds the peeler/knife as dry as possible to keep the utensil from slipping.
You can leave the diced aloe on the cutting board as you work your way down the leaf, or you can place it into a small, clean bowl set off to the side.
Label the container so you’ll remember how long it’s good for. If the gel is getting close to the 7-day mark, you can freeze what remains so that none of it goes to waste!
Sometimes aloe gel can get discolored when it’s frozen. Adding vitamin E to the gel can help prevent this. You could also gently blend the diced aloe for 30 seconds and then pour it into ice cube molds. Make sure to label the baggie with the item description and the date upon which you placed it into the freezer.
If you are freezing multiple baggies, try to not squeeze too many bags together in a small place. When they freeze, they could mold to one another, making it difficult for you to extract a bag when you want to use one in the future.
Never put frozen aloe into the microwave—it’ll change the consistency and decrease the medical benefits.
You don’t have to blend the aloe, but it does make it easier to mix in with the honey and gives the mixture a smoother texture.
If you are using a food scale, you could just place the clean bowl on the scale and measure the aloe directly into that so you don’t dirty more dishes.
You could even divide the aloe-honey between several small glass jars and give them as gifts. Create a cute label and pair them with other beauty-care essentials for a fun spa package.
You could even bake with the aloe-honey. If you have a recipe that calls for honey, simply substitute this mixture in its place.
