Aloe vera is a succulent plant that grows in hot, dry climates. The leaves are made into a gel that is used as a moisturizer, amongst other things. It is highly regarded for its beneficial properties. It hydrates the skin, leaving you looking fresh and maybe, even a little younger.
However, what if you have a lot of the gel or even the leaves themselves? Can you freeze them to use at a later date? The simple answer is yes, whether it is shop-bought or you have made it yourself. In this article, we will tell you how to freeze it and how to defrost it.
How To Freeze Aloe Vera Leaves
Perhaps you have aloe vera plants at home but aren’t ready to make some gel yet. If so, you can freeze the leaves so that you can make the gel in the future. This is how to freeze aloe vera leaves:
1. Harvest the leaves.
Once you have picked the leaves, you will have to freeze them straight away otherwise they will dry out.
2. Wrap the aloe vera leaves in aluminum foil.
Make sure that the leaves are tightly wrapped so that freezer burn doesn’t occur. This will ruin the texture of your leaves. Alternatively, put the leaves in a freezer bag, squeezing out all the air to prevent freezer burn.
3. Put the leaves in an airtight container.
Put a label on the container with the date and contents.
4. Freeze.
How to Freeze Aloe Vera Gel
If you have bought aloe vera gel from the supermarket and don’t intend to use it straight away, you can put it straight in the freezer as it is in its original packaging. If you have made your own, this is the way to freeze it:
1. Put the aloe vera gel in a freezer bag or airtight container.
You can portion it out into different containers so that you only defrost what you need. If you are using a freezer bag, squeeze out all the air to prevent freezer burn. Put labels on the containers or bags with the date and contents.
2. Freeze.
Tips For Freezing Aloe Vera
- Make the aloe vera gel when the leaves are fresh. If you do this, you will find that the gel is more effective, and you will end up with smoother skin.
- Make sure that the leaves or gel are tight to prevent freezer burn.
- Make aloe vera cubes.
If you plan to just use a little aloe vera at a time, it’s a good idea to freeze the gel in an ice cube tray. Flash-freeze the cubes by putting the ice cube tray in the freezer. This will stop them from sticking together. When they have frozen, put them in a freezer bag, squeezing out all the air to prevent freezer burn. You can then take out just as many or as few cubes as you need.
For How Long Can You Freeze Aloe Vera?
You can freeze both aloe vera gel and the leaves for six months. After this time, they will start to deteriorate, and they won’t be as effective.
You can put the aloe vera gel in the fridge when it has defrosted as it is more effective when it is chilled.
How Do You Defrost Aloe Vera?
The best way to defrost aloe vera gel is to leave it to sit at room temperature for a few hours. Aloe vera leaves will probably defrost quicker than gel. Don’t put the aloe vera near a window as UV rays will diminish its effectiveness. In addition, don’t defrost it in the microwave as this will destroy both the gel and the leaves.
Can You Refreeze Aloe Vera?
It’s not a good idea to refreeze aloe vera, be it gel or leaves. This is because ice crystals form when anything is frozen and if you refreeze aloe vera, the moisture content will be increased. This will make the leaves soggy and the gel runny and less effective. If you are worried that you might end up throwing some away, freeze the aloe vera in smaller containers or an ice cube tray.
Is It A Good Idea To Freeze Aloe Vera?
Yes, aloe vera freezes well, particularly the gel as long as you don’t keep it in the freezer for longer than six months and don’t refreeze it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, you now know all there is to know about freezing aloe vera but in case you still have questions about freezing it or about aloe vera in general, we have answered a few questions here.
Yes, aloe vera juice can be frozen. Just decant it into portion-size plastic bottles or containers. Don’t fill them right up to the top as the juice may expand when frozen.
It hydrates the body, helps liver function, treats constipation, encourages clear skin, and relieves heartburn.
No, it doesn’t. Aloe vera freezes well and there will only be a little change in texture and flavor.
Why would you want to? They have a very long shelf life so there is no need to freeze them.
They are mainly used to treat digestive problems such as heartburn, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea. The fatty acids found in aloe vera help the stomach, intestines, and colon to function properly.
Aloe vera gel can be used as a moisturizing cream, especially for oily skin. It treats sunburn, redness of the skin, and skin irritation. It lights and firms the skin, helps if you have ulcers, and can treat dandruff. It promotes hair growth and makes a good hair conditioner. You can even coat fruit with it and this helps to stop bacterial growth.
