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The health benefits of aloe vera have been known for centuries. As a topical agent, it is effective in treating cuts and burns. As an ingested supplement, the plant has potential digestive benefits. Growing your own aloe plants and harvesting aloe leaves for smoothies and other consumables allows you to get the freshest supply of this amazing succulent. Knowing how to harvest aloe vera will help preserve the health of the plant and allow you to experience the flesh at its peak.
Juices and smoothies are all the rage with suggestions of supplements and additives to enhance their healthful properties. Aloe has many healthful benefits, but you should be cautious when ingesting it. Even a small dose can cause diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, and other complications in sensitive individuals. For stouter people, aloe harvesting can provide a ready source of the nutritious and healthful aloe gel. It is best to pick aloe from mature plants, preferably those planted in the ground. When the tips of the leaves attain a rosy tinge, the leaf is ripe and ready to harvest. The plant is fairly slow growing, so be cautious when aloe harvesting not to take too many leaves in a condensed period. Additionally, avoid removing the lower smaller leaves and focus on the larger upper foliage. Choose a thick, smooth, large leaf and use a clean, sharp knife to cut it as close to the trunk as possible. A knife is the best way to harvest the leaves, as hand picking aloe vera may cause tissue damage to the leaf and the plant. Unblemished leaves are the best tasting and contain the most aloe gel.
Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing, healing properties. The gel-filled leaves can be processed into everything from skin creams to healthy juices. However, harvesting the aloe vera plant requires careful timing and technique in order to maximize the quantity and quality of gel. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore when and how to properly harvest aloe leaves.
When is the Best Time to Harvest Aloe Vera?
Harvesting aloe vera too early or too late can reduce the overall gel yield. Here are some tips on identifying prime harvesting time:
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Wait until the plant is at least 2-3 years old before the first harvest, This allows the leaves to fully mature
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Ideal harvesting time is during the summer months when growth is most active.
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Look for leaves that are thick, fleshy, and a light green color. Avoid harvesting any thin or dried out leaves.
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The biggest, outermost leaves near the bottom of the plant will contain the most gel.
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Refrain from harvesting during winter dormancy as leaves contain less gel,
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Only harvest leaves as needed leaving several on the plant. Frequent overharvesting can harm the plant.
Signs It’s Time to Harvest:
- Plant is at least 2-3 years old
- Summer months when actively growing
- Leaves are thick, plump, light green
- Outer, lower leaves are most mature
What is the Best Harvesting Technique?
Follow these simple steps for harvesting aloe vera properly:
Step 1: Selecting the Right Leaves
As mentioned, choose thick, mature leaves near the base of the outer edges. Avoid the small, still-developing center leaves.
Step 2: Cut the Leaves
Use a sharp, clean knife to cut the leaves near the base. Cut at an angle to maximize the surface area.
Step 3: Allow the Sap to Drain
Place the freshly cut leaves upright in a container. The yellow sap will drain out from the cut end. Allow to drain for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse the Leaves
Rinse the leaves under cool water to wash away any remaining sap residue. The sap can irritate skin.
Step 5: Cut Away the Rind
Using a knife, slice away the spiny green rind from each side to reveal the clear gel.
Step 6: Scrape Out the Gel
Finally, use a spoon to scoop out the inner gel. Avoid the yellow sap line just under the outer rind.
Step 7: Store Properly
Place harvested gel into an airtight container. Refrigerate and use within 1-2 weeks.
Best Practices for Avoiding Damage
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Sterilize harvesting tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent bacteria and disease.
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Never harvest more than 1/3 of leaves at one time. This can stunt plant growth.
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When cutting leaves, retain at least 2 inches of stalk to protect the main plant.
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Rest the knife during cutting to avoid slipping and harming other leaves.
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Avoid squeezing or crushing leaves, as this can damage the delicate gel.
What to Do with Harvested Aloe Vera Gel
Once harvested, the nutrient-dense aloe gel can be used:
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As a base for DIY cosmetics like lotions, creams, and facial scrubs
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Added to smoothies, juices, and drinks for health benefits
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Applied directly on skin, hair, and sunburns as an organic moisturizer
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Combined with other herbs and ingredients to create custom remedies
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Frozen in ice cube trays for future use
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Given or sold to friends, family, and neighbors!
Troubleshooting: What If My Plant Isn’t Producing Much Gel?
If your aloe plant’s leaves seem thin and lacking in gel, there are a few potential causes:
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Age – Harvest from younger plants will be disappointing. Allow several years of growth first.
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Season – Harvesting in winter or during a drought yields less. Time harvests for summer.
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Sunlight – Insufficient light leads to poor circulation and low gel production.
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Watering – Too much or too little water prevents leaves from properly filling with gel.
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Fertilizer – Increase fertilizer to encourage growth and circulation.
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Pests – Inspect for signs of insects or disease. Treat accordingly.
With proper timing and the right technique, you can enjoy an abundant harvest of aloe vera gel. Pay close attention to signs of leaf maturity, select only the largest outer leaves, and utilize sterilized tools. Avoid overharvesting and damage to the main plant. The soothing gel can then be used in a diverse array of home remedies, skin care products, and nutritious beverages. Follow these aloe harvesting tips for the best results!
How to Harvest Aloe Vera
Harvesting aloe leaves extends past the acquisition stage and into the preparation stage. Just getting a healthy leaf will get you nowhere if you don’t know how to prepare it properly. Aloe leaves contain a yellowish sap, called aloin, which can be very bitter and cause stomach upset in some individuals. After you harvest an aloe vera plant, hold the cut end down so the aloin can run out. This will keep the gel from tasting so bitter. Wash the leaf then lay it flat on the table and cut off the serrated edges. Start on one side and filet off the skin, much like you take the skin off a fish. Continue removing the skin on all sides, including the yellowish layer, until a clear to white, translucent flesh is exposed. This is the good stuff and is ready to use after a quick rinse.
How to Use the Aloe Gel
Aloe in its purest form can be pureed with a fruit smoothie or juiced with other vegetables and fruit. It can also be cut into cubes and preserved by freezing for a month. The jury is still out in the scientific community as to the health benefits, but many users feel the plant is useful as a digestive health supplement. Either way, the live plant juices are a good nutritional supplement just as any leafy green, and the texture adds interest to juices. In addition to harvesting aloe for its nutritional benefits, you can pick the leaves as needed for the treatment of minor burns or scrapes. Just squeeze the juicy sap onto the affected area for instant relief. If you are lucky enough to have large specimens, go out and harvest an aloe plant and see for yourself what the fuss is all about.
When and How Often Do You Harvest Aloe vera?
FAQ
Does aloe vera grow back after cutting it?
How do you know when aloe vera is ready?
How do you harvest and store fresh aloe vera gel?