Aloe Vera Oil: understanding preservation and maceration techniques

Aloe Oil

experiment II

Aloe macerating in sunflower oil

Understanding preservation of extracted Aloe

After more research I discovered that once aloe is extracted from the plant it begins to lose its potency within as little as two hours. Prevention of oxidation and light exposure is key, aloe will begin to turn a pinkish color and proceed to brown when it begins to oxidize. This happens when aloe is left out in the open at room temperature or warmer. Refrigeration is the best way to preserve the aloe: fillets are best kept in an airtight container, preferably dark glass; if the gel is to be eaten or applied directly to the skin it is best kept refrigerated in an airtight container in its whole leaf form. Refrigeration will preserve maximum potency for two to three weeks. 

Understanding maceration (cold infusion of oil)

As mentioned above, heat destroys the medicinal potency of aloe vera. This is something I was not aware of during my first Aloe oil experiment (experiment I). This second experiment will explore the method of maceration-a type of "cold" infusion of oils. Since aloe can not be heated, the liquid from the gel must be extracted by other means. Maceration requires soaking the desired plant material in a base oil, thus extracting the oil soluble components of the aloe into the base oil while still preserving its quality-no heat required. A stable base oil should be a virgin cold pressed oil. I found sunflower oil to be one of the more stable oils available on the market for a reasonable price. Sunflower oil is also naturally high in Vitamin E, the vitamin acts as a natural preservative and is also very important for restoring skin. I filleted a dozen aloe leaves into a glass container and poured in just enough sunflower oil to cover the top of the fillets. Using a minimum amount of base oil will provide for a more dominant ratio of aloe to sunflower components. I covered the container with its airtight lid and put it in the refrigerator. I will let it sit for about three weeks, checking and stirring it occasionally. 

                                                                       The Green Project 2013
                                                                                  ~Gabby