How To Store Aloe Vera Gel Or Leaves – Get Busy Gardening

Storing aloe vera doesn’t take much time, and there are a few ways you can do it. In this post, I’ll walk you through each method step by step so you can have the best success.

Since aloe vera doesn’t stay fresh for more than a few days, it’s essential to learn how to store it so it will last much longer.

The good news is that it’s quick and easy to do, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or hours of preparation work.

In this guide about storing aloe vera leaves or gel, I will walk you through all of my favorite methods for keeping it longer, and give you tons of tips for the best success.

How Long Can You Keep Fresh Aloe Vera?

Unfortunately you can’t keep fresh aloe vera for very long, it goes bad pretty quickly. At room temperature it will only last for 1-2 days.

But the good news is that there are a few easy methods you can use to store either whole aloe vera leaves or the gel.

In the next few sections, I will walk you through all of the options for each.

Related Post: How To Grow & Care For Aloe Vera Plants

How To Store Aloe Vera Leaf

Storing whole aloe vera leaves is simple. But first it’s important to drain out as much of the yellow aloin sap as you can.

To do this simply allow the leaf to drain for 15-30 minutes with the cut side facing down in a jar or cup. Then wipe or rinse away any remnants of it afterward.

I recommend wearing disposable gloves while handling the sap because it can be a skin irritant to some. 

Storing Aloe Vera Leaf In The Fridge

Putting an aloe vera leaf in the fridge is a great way to keep it fresh longer. They will last for about 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.

For best results, wrap each leaf in a damp paper towel first, then seal one or many inside of a zip-top bag to prevent them from drying out.

Storing Aloe Vera Leaf In The Freezer

Alternatively you could put your aloe vera leaf in the freezer for even longer-term storage. That way it will stay good for 6 months or more.

Simply place each leaf into a freezer-safe bag or container. For extra protection from freezer burn, or if you want to put several into a baggie, wrap each one in plastic wrap first.

Related Post: How & When To Harvest Aloe Vera

How To Store Fresh Aloe Vera Gel

Without any added preservatives, fresh aloe vera gel has a very short shelf-life of only 1-2 days. So it’s essential to store it in the refrigerator or freezer to make it last longer.

Refrigerating Fresh Aloe Vera Gel

If you want to store aloe vera gel in the fridge, simply pour it into a small mason jar or other sealed container to ensure it stays fresh. 

Refrigerating it will extend the shelf-life for 2-3 weeks. Plus, when it’s kept cool, it has the added benefit of feeling even more soothing on sunburn.

Freezing Fresh Aloe Vera Gel

If you want to keep the gel even longer, try freezing it. This will make it last for 6 months or more, and there are a few easy methods you can try.

My favorite is to pour it into a small ice cube tray for perfect portions. But you can freeze whole chunks of the raw flesh if you plan to process it later on.

Whichever way you choose, simply put your aloe vera gel into a sealed container or freezer-safe bag before storing it in the freezer.

What About Store-bought Aloe Vera Gel?

Store-bought aloe vera gel has preservatives added to it to make it shelf-stable so you don’t have to worry too much about properly storing it.

With that said, it’s still important to place it in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard or linen closet where it can stay fresh for 2-3 years.

How Long Can Aloe Vera Be Stored?

How long aloe vera can be stored depends on the method you choose to use.

In general, it can last for 2-3 weeks in the fridge as a whole leaf, gel, or cubes, and 6 months or more in the freezer.

FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions I get about storing aloe vera. If you can’t find your answer below, ask it in the comments section.

Where do you store aloe vera gel?

You should store fresh aloe vera gel in the refrigerator or freezer, otherwise it will only be shelf-stable for 1-2 days. Store-bought gels that contain preservatives can be stored in a dark cabinet or closet for 2-3 years.

Can I store aloe vera gel in the fridge?

Yes you can store aloe vera gel in the fridge, which will help enhance its cooling effects. Without any added preservatives, it will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks.

Should aloe vera leaves be refrigerated?

You could refrigerate aloe vera leaves, it will make them last 2-3 weeks longer than they will when kept at room temperature.

Can you freeze aloe vera?

Yes, you can freeze aloe vera either as whole leaves, unprocessed flesh, or the gel. Doing so will extend the shelf-life for 6 months or more.

How do you store aloe vera for a long time?

The best way to store aloe vera for a long time is to freeze it. You can freeze whole leaves or the gel, and it will last 6 for months or more.

Storing aloe vera is easy and doesn’t take much time. It’s a great way to ensure you always have some on hand whenever you need it.

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Share your tips for how to store aloe vera in the comments below.