How Long Does Aloe Vera Last? Does Aloe Vera Go Bad?

Table of Contents
In this article, you will know the answer to the query “How Long Does Aloe Vera Last? Does Aloe Vera Go Bad?“.
Globally, hand sanitizers have been found to be a useful tool to combat the pandemic.
Companies that manufacture hand sanitizers have been forced to shut down as a result of countries imposing strict lockdown norms.
In response, many turned to homemade solutions, and aloe vera became a popular choice.
What is the shelf life of aloe vera? If you are someone who has been stockpiling aloe vera for future use, this article is what you’ve been looking for.
Aloe vera has a shelf life of up to several years, and we will discuss how to preserve the numerous benefits of aloe vera for a long time.
Aloe vera comes in three forms: juice, gel, and leaf, and each form have a different shelf life.
You will learn why bad aloe vera should concern you in this article about aloe vera’s life span.
How Long Does Aloe Vera Last? Does Aloe Vera Go Bad?
There are numerous benefits to using aloe vera in any form. Besides treating dry skin, burns, and acne, aloe vera contains antioxidants and vitamins.
A refrigerated aloe vera leaf can last for several weeks if it is stored in a leaf form. You can also freeze the leaves for greater longevity, which can last for about six months.
Aloe vera leaves can last about 24 hours at room temperature and about one to two weeks when refrigerated.
Several ways exist for extending the shelf life of aloe vera at home, such as:
- Wet the aloe vera leaf and wrap it in a towel. To preserve the leaves’ quality, you can wrap a wet towel around the leaves rather than extracting the gel and preserving the plates.
- Freeze aloe leaves. The taste and consistency of aloe leaves can be preserved for up to eight months by freezing them in a plastic freezer bag. The quality of the leaves can be retained much longer if the freezer temperature is set to a suitable level.
- Defrost aloe leaves at room temperature. It is important to defrost aloe leaves at room temperature so that they retain their consistency and taste. Once you have fulfilled your requirement, you can place them back in the freezer. Defrosting the leaves in the microwave is never a good idea.
- Mix with honey. Mixing aloe vera with honey is a great way to store it in gel form. Aloe vera gel’s qualities are preserved by honey, which is a natural preservative. Make sure you rinse the leaves well and wait for aloin or red/yellow liquid to drain. The liquid can cause diarrhea, which is definitely not what you want.
How to Tell if Aloe Vera is Bad?
The medicinal properties of aloe vera have been known to people for centuries. There are many health experts who consider aloe vera to be a powerful superfood due to its soothing properties that treat skin abrasions and sun damage.
Aloe vera can, however, go bad over time like any organic matter.
Are there any signs that aloe vera is bad? You can judge the health of aloe vera by its appearance and smell, as you can with most plants and vegetables.
The aloe vera is usually rotten before it dries up, due to the high amount of water it contains. A properly stored aloe vera can extend its shelf life, however.
Aloe vera that is unusable will show the following signs and symptoms:
- Discoloration. Room-temperature storage of aloe vera leaves without added protection will result in the leaves losing their green color and spoiling. Plastic wrap with a loose end can also cause problems inside the freezer. An aloe vera leaf forms a rusty brown callus surrounding its gel, which prevents it from evaporating. This process is natural and does not indicate that the aloe vera leaves are spoiled.
- Foul odor. In the case that your aloe vera leaves smell odd or are giving off a strange odor, it is best to discard them.
- Wrinkles. The presence of wrinkles on the leaves’ surface is a good indication that the aloe vera leaves have lost their quality and are no longer suitable for consumption.
- Drying up or becoming moldy.
Conclusion
There are many health benefits and anti-aging qualities associated with aloe vera and it is a must-have in every home.
When you use aloe vera to moisturize your skin or make delicious recipes using it, you need to take good care of it.
You can extend the shelf life of aloe vera by storing it properly. Aside from that, you can add preservatives, such as Vitamin E, to increase the shelf life of your aloe vera.
Nevertheless, if your aloe vera leaves exhibit any of the signs and symptoms listed above, it is best to toss them out and replace them with fresh ones.
How Long Does Aloe Vera Last? Does Aloe Vera Go Bad? (Recipe)
PREP TIME
15 minutes
COOK TIME
15 minutes
TOTAL TIME
30 minutes
Ingredients
- Aloe vera
- Air-tight containers
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
- If frozen, thaw in the fridge before use. Always check for signs of spoilage before use.