Does Aloe Vera Go Bad? How to Tell if Your Aloe Plant or Aloe Gel Has Spoiled
Aloe vera is known for its many healing properties and uses for skin and health. This succulent plant stores gel in its leaves that can be applied topically or ingested. But once harvested and separated from the plant, aloe gel has a limited shelf life. So does aloe vera go bad?
The answer is yes - aloe vera can go bad if not stored and handled properly. Read on to learn how to tell if your aloe plant or prepared aloe gel has spoiled, plus tips for extending the shelf life and using up aloe before it expires.
How to Tell if an Aloe Vera Plant Has Gone Bad
Aloe plants can last for many years if cared for properly. But over time, the leaves may start to show signs of aging and spoilage. Here are some clues that your aloe plant has gone bad:
- Brown, yellowing leaves
- Soft, mushy leaves
- Thin, dried out leaves
- Foul odor
- Mold or rotting
- Pest infestation
Older, outer leaves that are damaged or deteriorating can simply be removed. This allows new, healthy leaves to keep growing. But if many leaves look discolored or rotten, the whole plant may need to be discarded.
Causes of Spoiled Aloe Plants
Some reasons your aloe plant may start to go bad include:
- Over or underwatering
- Insufficient sunlight
- Extreme cold or heat
- Fungal infections
- Pests like mealybugs, mites, or scale
- Age of the plant
- Diseases
Catching issues early allows you to potentially revive your aloe. But some damage cannot be undone once the plant becomes severely spoiled.
Reviving an Unhealthy Aloe Plant
If your aloe just needs a little TLC, try these tips:
- Remove damaged leaves and dry out the plant
- Treat pest infestations with insecticidal soap
- Use fungicide sprays for fungal issues
- Repot in fresh, suitable soil
- Place in optimal sunlight and temperature
- Water adequately going forward
With some rehabilitation, mildly struggling aloe plants can bounce back to full health. But dispose of any rotting or clearly dying plants.
Signs that Aloe Gel Has Gone Bad
The gel inside aloe leaves also has a limited lifespan after harvest. Here are signs your prepared aloe vera gel has spoiled:
- Change in color - becomes brown, dark yellow, or grey
- Liquid consistency instead of gel
- Separate layers of gel and liquid
- Foaming or bubbling
- Fermented smell
- Growth of mold
- Discoloration of container
Commercial aloe gel products also have expiration dates you can check. If stored properly, some products may last up to 3 years unopened. But once opened, toss aloe gel after 6-12 months.
Why Aloe Gel Goes Bad
Aloe gel has a composition that makes it prone to spoilage by:
- Oxidation
- Enzymatic breakdown
- Microbial contamination
- pH instability
- Nutrient loss
Harvesting and processing methods impact stability. Heat, light and oxygen exposure also accelerate spoilage. Storing gel correctly helps maximize freshness.
How Long Does Aloe Vera Last?
The shelf life of aloe depends on the form:
- Aloe plants - Can survive for several years with proper care
- Fresh aloe leaves - Up to 2 weeks refrigerated
- Aloe gel from leaves - 1 week refrigerated
- Store-bought aloe gel - Up to 3 years unopened; 6-12 months opened
Aloe gel inherently has a short shelf life compared to the plants. Follow expiration dates for store-bought gels and discard homemade gels quickly.
Tips to Extend Aloe's Shelf Life
To get the most out of your aloe vera, use these preservation methods:
Harvest Aloe Gel Properly
When extracting gel from fresh leaves, be meticulous. Work quickly, keep tools clean, and prevent oxidation.
Store in Air-Tight Containers
Cover leaves or bottled gels tightly to block oxygen. Use opaque, dark-colored containers.
Refrigerate
Keep fresh aloe gel chilled at colder fridge temps around 40F if possible.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage
Frozen aloe gel keeps for up to a year. Thaw completely before each use.
Avoid Contamination
Don't introduce dirt, bacteria or mold spores which can grow in the gel.
Add Preservatives
Natural preservatives like citric acid, vitamin C and vitamin E help stabilize extra aloe gel.
Watch for Signs of Spoilage
Discard at first sight of any color changes, odors, or mold.
With attentive storage methods, you can enjoy aloe vera gel for some time before it goes bad. Use your senses to monitor for freshness.
What to Do With Aloe Vera When It Expires
Once opened aloe gels pass their prime, don't just toss them out. Use spoiled aloe in these ways before throwing it away:
Water Houseplants
Expired aloe vera gel can be diluted with water at a ratio of 1:4 and used to water indoor houseplants. This provides added nutrients for your plants.
Compost It
Add expired aloe gel and leaves to your compost pile. The nutrients will break down into an organic fertilizer over time.
Moisturize Skin
While not ideal for facial use after expiration, old aloe gel can still be applied to hydrate dry arms, legs, hands and feet before discarding it.
Create DIY Products
Mix spoiled aloe into homemade beauty, health and cleaning products where you may not need fully fresh aloe.
Before throwing it away, take advantage of aloe's nutrients even after it expires. Get the most out your plant's end of life.
Benefits of Using Fresh Aloe Vera
Using aloe vera right after harvesting or opening provides the most advantages. Here are some benefits you'll gain from fresh aloe:
Higher Nutrient Content
Fresh aloe gel contains the highest levels of nutrients like antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, and polysaccharides for optimal health effects.
More Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory agents in aloe vera degrade over time. Fresher aloe provides stronger anti-inflammatory activity.
Better Absorption
Nutrients like vitamin C degrade as aloe sits. Fresh aloe offers the most bioavailable nutrients for better absorption.
Stronger Antimicrobial Effects
Fresh aloe has greater antimicrobial properties to fight bacteria, fungi and viruses than old gel.
Enhanced Healing Properties
Using freshly harvested aloe gel provides the most active ingredients to aid healing of burns, wounds, irritation, and skin conditions.
For effectiveness, use your aloe as soon as possible after preparing. Don't wait until it's turned before using it.
How to Harvest and Prepare Fresh Aloe
Follow this process for harvesting the freshest aloe gel possible:
Select Healthy Leaves
Choose mature, thick, vibrant green leaves without brown spots or yellowing.
Sanitize Your Knife
Clean your knife thoroughly with soap and hot water before cutting leaves.
Cut at the Base
Slice carefully at the base of the leaf next to the stem to detach it.
Cut Off the Tip
Trim the pointy tip off the leaf using your clean knife.
Slice Down the Sides
Make slices down both sides of the leaf to open it up and expose the clear gel inside.
Scrape Out the Gel
Use a spoon to scoop or scrape the gel off of the leaf skin into a clean bowl or jar.
Seal and Refrigerate
Place freshly extracted gel into an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. Use within 1 week.
Proper harvesting and storage keeps pure aloe vera gel in its most active, beneficial state. Use aloe quickly for best potency.
Precautions for Using Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well tolerated by most people. But you should keep these precautions in mind:
- Avoid consuming aloe latex, found just under the skin. It can cause gastrointestinal issues.
- Drinking excessive aloe juice may have side effects like diarrhea. Moderation is key.
- Topical aloe may irritate sensitive skin. Do a patch test before wider use.
- Aloe can interact with certain medications, especially heart and blood sugar medications. Talk to your doctor before using aloe supplements.
- Pregnant or nursing women should consult their physician before using aloe products.
When unsure if an aloe plant or gel has gone bad, it is safest to discard and start fresh. Pay attention to signs of spoilage.
Common Uses for Fresh Aloe Vera Gel
Harness the powerful benefits of aloe by using fresh gel in these ways:
Sunburn Soother
Apply a thick layer of aloe gel directly from the plant onto sunburnt skin for cooling relief and healing effects.
Moisturizer
Use fresh aloe as a daily face and body moisturizer to hydrate skin and improve firmness.
Skin Conditions
Dab aloe gel onto areas affected by eczema, psoriasis, or acne to reduce inflammation and irritation.
Razor Burn Treatment
Soothe bumps and irritation from shaving with a gentle application of fresh aloe vera.
Hair Conditioner
For soft, smooth hair, massage aloe gel into your scalp and hair, then rinse clean after 15 minutes.
Drinking Aloe Juice
Blend or juice aloe leaves to make a healthy beverage full of nutrients to boost immunity and digestion.
Use fresh aloe gel topically and internally to harness its many benefits before it goes bad. Just be mindful of any reactions or side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aloe Shelf Life
Can you freeze aloe vera gel?
Yes, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of aloe gel. It can keep in the freezer for up to 1 year before use. Allow it to fully thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Can you refrigerate aloe vera plants?
Keeping small potted aloe plants in the fridge is not recommended. The cold temperatures can damage the plant. Refrigeration is meant for freshly harvested leaves or prepared gel only.
Does store-bought aloe vera go bad?
Like homemade gels, commercially prepared aloe products have a shelf life. Once opened, it's best to use bottled aloe gel within 6-12 months. Toss if expired or you notice changes in smell, texture or color.
Can you use expired aloe vera gel?
It's not recommended to use aloe gel after it expires, especially on skin or face. For safety, it's best to discard old gel. If you do use it, stick to less sensitive areas of skin.
How long does aloe vera last once cut?
Fresh aloe leaves will last about 1-2 weeks refrigerated before turning bad. For prepared gel, store in a sealed container in the fridge and use within 5-7 days for best quality and freshness.
With proper handling, aloe vera can retain its beneficial properties for some time. But use freshly cut or prepared gel right away whenever possible.
Conclusion
Like any natural product, aloe vera won't last forever. But understanding the signs of spoiled aloe and using optimal storage methods allows you to enjoy its uses before it goes bad. For best results, use freshly harvested aloe gel and pay attention to expiration dates on store-bought products.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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