Questions and answers to Aloe Vera leaves

We would like to answer the most frequently asked questions about our aloe vera leaves:

Where do the aloe vera leaves come from and where are the plants grown?

The aloe vera leaves of the Arborescens variety come from Italy. The aloe vera leaves of the Barbardensis Miller (or Linné) variety come from Greece
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What are the differences between Aloe Arborescens and Aloe Barbadensis Miller (or Linné)?

The two aloe species differ not only in size. You can read about other differences here in the article.

Are the leaves "organic" certified?

Yes, all our aloe vera suppliers grow the aloe vera plants under controlled organic conditions and are also certified accordingly.

How long can you use an aloe vera leaf?

One of the most common questions is about the durability of the leaves.

In principle, we advise you to process or use a fresh leaf as soon as possible. So the fresher the better, since valuable ingredients can also be lost over time (depending how the leaf is stored - more or less quickly).

In any case, make sure that the sheet does not get wet and that the room in which you store the leaf is sufficiently ventilated.
You should also avoid direct sunlight when storing.

However, to answer the question briefly: an Aloe Barbardensis Miller leaf can be stored for up to 2-3 weeks under certain circumstances.
An arborescens leaf less long, but also up to 1 week.

The longer you store the leaf, the bigger there is a risk of rotten spots or mold growth at the end or beginning of the leaf.

If the aloe vera leaf has brown spots, this is not a problem as long as the inner leaf gel is or has remained white or transparent.

However, if this also has brown spots, we recommend that you no longer use the sheet.

We recommend storing cut leaves in the refrigerator. You can possibly simply cover the cut with cling film.

Please do not freeze the aloe vera leaf! The leaf does not tolerate temperatures below zero degrees Celsius or the cells are destroyed.
If you store the whole leaf, it is important that you protect it from moisture or from too high or too low temperatures (optimal storage temperature: 10-20 degrees). Also, do not expose the leaf to direct sunlight.

Are the leaves fresh even if they have already dried up at the pointed ends?

In summer (especially in midsummer), when temperatures rise above 30°C, it is normal for the aloe plants to dry up at the pointed ends. This is a natural process that cannot be used as an indicator of freshness. It is important that the plant is basically juicy and firm and that the inner gel is transparent.

What color can the leaves be?

The leaves are green but also reddish and can even be a little brown. However, the color of the shell has no relevance as far as quality is concerned. As long as the gel is white (or transparent) on the inside, the sheet is fine.  The coloring of the shell depends on natural influences and can be correspondingly strong.

Approximately how much gel can be harvested from one leaf?

Depending on how precisely you fillet the leaves, you will get around 50% gel by weight of the leaf. With a leaf of 700 g you get up to approx. 300-350 g of gel.

How does the aloe gel taste or how should the gel taste?

The gel itself is tasteless if you wash and clean it with water. You should be careful not to scratch or cut the shell too much when filleting. So don't peel off the gel too close to the outer bark. It is advisable to wash off the gel well with water before using it.

How are the aloe vera leaves shipped?

After receipt of payment, the aloe vera leaves are well wrapped in a special tissue paper. To ensure that the leaves arrive safely, the box is also filled and laid out with enough tissue paper. Please note: The packaging materials are made of paper or cardboard and can be put in the paper recycling container

How old are the aloe vera plants?

The aloe vera plants of both origins (barbardensis Miller / Linné or Arborescens) are at least 7-8 years old

What can an aloe vera leaf be used for?

You can use the leaf gel for smoothies, salads or similar. But also for cosmetic purposes, apply the pure gel as a skin gel or make a cream, lotion or hair treatment out of it.
Recipes and applications for this can be found here.

How do I protect the cut surface of an aloe leaf?

If the whole aloe vera leaf cannot be processed, it is advisable to keep the cut leaf in the refrigerator. Put cling film over the cut surface. The aloe vera leaf would close itself with sufficient air or ventilation in a few days, but the leaf loses moisture more quickly. When storing in the refrigerator, however, a cling film is recommended.

How should I cut an aloe vera leaf?

Instructions on how to cut the sheet can be found here

If you only need a portion of the aloe gel, we recommend that you freeze the remaining amount in a mixed state. If you want to process the rest of the leaf in a timely manner, we recommend that you at least wrap the cut surface in cling film.

How can I apply the gel (pure) to the skin?

Cut off part of the aloe leaf, remove (or cut off) the thorns on the left and right side. After that, separate the leaf part exactly in the middle. Then you can apply the gel undiluted to the skin or rub it in with half of it. However, clean the aloe vera leaf parts carefully with water beforehand, as aloin can come out of the peel or the cuts, which can lead to an allergic reaction on the skin.

Can you use the whole aloe vera leaf?