To use a fresh aloe leaf from a plant, first cut off one of the outer leaves from the base of the plant. Wash it well, removing any dirt, and then stand it upright in a cup or bowl for 10–15 minutes. This allows the yellow-tinted resin to drain out of the leaf.
The resin contains latex, which can irritate your skin, so completing this step is important.
After the resin has drained completely, wash off any remains on the leaf and peel off the thick skin using a small knife or vegetable peeler.
Once the leaf has been peeled, you will see the natural aloe vera gel.
Using a small spoon, scoop it into your blender. Be careful not to include any pieces of the aloe vera skin.
Blend the gel until it’s frothy and liquefied, which should only take a few seconds.
At this point, your gel is ready to use and it's good for up to a week in your fridge.
What’s more, you can freeze aloe gel in small batches in an ice cube tray. Frozen aloe gel can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.