It's easy to grow and harvest it.Remove the aloin from the base of the plant by cutting anAloe leaf.Remove the skin from the leaf with a sharp knife.You will have a fresh strip of aloe in no time.
Step 1: There is a ripe leaf.
Ripe leaves have a deep green color.When you squeeze them gently, they should give a bit.
Step 2: Pick a leaf that is the right size.
A leaf that is at least one foot (30 cm) should do well on large plants.At least one inch (2 cm) thick leaves can be Harvested on smaller, potted plants.The thicker the leaves, the more aloe they yield.
Step 3: Gardeners wear gloves.
The edges of the leaves are spiky.If you want to protect your hands, wear gardening gloves or disposable rubber gloves.
Step 4: Use gardening shears to cut the leaf.
A sharp knife is also possible.As close to the base of the plant as possible, cut the leaf off.
Step 5: Allow the aloin to fall.
Aloin has a bitter taste.Place the cut plant in a jar.Allow about 10 minutes for the aloin to come out.
Step 6: The leaf needs to be cleaned.
Run the leaf under the water in the sink to get rid of it.It can be washed gently with a clean cloth.
Step 7: Remove the leaf's skin with strips.
The pointed end of the leaf should be away from you and the flat end should face you.Work a knife blade beneath the thick outer skin and the light, transparent gel at the base of the leaf.Remove the strip of leaf skin that comes loose with the help of the knife.Continue working your way around the leaf, alternating between getting the knife beneath the skin and peeling it off.If you don't want to pull the skin off, cut the leaf down.You could remove the skin from the leaf with a spoon, instead of pulling it off in strips.If you pull the skin off in strips, you will end up with more aloin in the gel than if you cut the leaf down.
Step 8: The aloe should be cut into small cubes.
The cubes should be small on all sides.It will be easier to use the gel later.The gel can be kept in a container.You can keep it fresh for up to a month in the freezer.If you want to make ice cubes for sunburn, try liquefying the peeled aloe in a blender.