How to Harvest Aloe Vera for Its Gel—Without Harming the Plant

Aloe vera is a beautiful, stately houseplant—but it's not all looks. You can also harvest aloe vera and carefully extract its gel, which can be used to soothe an itchy scalp, moisturize the body, and more. After all, who among has hasn't slathered aloe on their sunburn after a hot day at the beach?

However, if you plan on harvesting your aloe, it's important to follow the right steps. This process will help you extract the most gel and ensure the plant remains healthy and thriving afterward.

When to Harvest

First and foremost, you should only harvest aloe vera if it's at least 2 to 3 years old. Any younger, and the plant won't have had enough time to develop beneficial compounds.

As far as other signs go? "Healthy, ready-to-harvest leaves will have a rich, vibrant green color," says Ankit Singh, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Maine Extension. "Avoid leaves that are yellowing, browning, or appear withered."

How to Harvest

Before you start harvesting, it's important to gather the right tools. Singh recommends a clean, sharp knife or garden shears. "Scissors are less ideal," he notes. "They can squeeze out the juice." Once that's in place, you can get to harvesting.

1. Choose a Leaf. "Select an outer leaf of the plant," says Noelle Johnson, horticulturist and author of The Dry Climate Garden. "They are older and contain the most aloe vera gel." The leaf should be bright green and plump.
2. Cut the Base. Try to cut as close to the base of the plant as possible. "An angled cut can help with drainage," Singh adds.
3. Cut the Edges. Lay the leaf flat so you can cut off the prickly edges, advises Johnson.
4. Remove the Aloin. Aloin is a natural laxative and skin irritant, and is found in the latex of aloe vera. Fortunately, it's relatively easy to remove. "Hold the leaf upright over a container or sink for 10 to 15 minutes," says Singh. The leaf will turn a reddish brown as it oxidizes.
5. Rinse. Once the aloin has drained, rinse the leaf under running water. This will remove the remaining residue, as per Singh.

Your aloe vera will continue to thrive after harvesting a leaf—so long as you take care of it. "Never remove more than three to four leaves from a plant at a time, and always leave five to seven healthy leaves on the plant," says Singh. "Overharvesting can weaken or kill it."

He also recommends giving your aloe vera a break in between harvests—ideally, a few weeks to a month.

How to Extract the Gel

You're not done yet! The gel is inside the aloe vera leaf itself, which you'll have to cut away carefully.

Singh recommends two methods: filleting or scooping. For the former, slice under the green skin on one flat side of the leaf, then repeat on the other to expose the gel within. If you want to try the latter, simply use a spoon to scoop out the gel after removing one layer of skin.

Once you've extracted the gel, it will be chunky, so it's a good idea to process it. "Put it into a blender to break it down and use it right away," says Johnson. "Or store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to seven days."

Alternatively, if you need to store it for longer, you can freeze the gel and keep it for four to six months.