Freezing Aloe Vera Gel

[Cheeks1206]

Is it okay to freeze aloe vera gel? I bought a 32 oz. bottle recently and after looking at it I realized it hat it might go bad before I get to use it all. Also, how long does it last in the fridge?

[celeritas]

If your aloe vera is preserved, it will last up to a year or so (depending upon the preservation) out of the fridge. If it's not preserved, then it may last up to a month or so in the fridge - far less if it's out of the fridge. I wouldn't use it after about 2 weeks. Trust me - unpreserved aloe vera gets very slimy and can get these black gel-like sheets in it which smell just awful. And it'll be bad before you even see the slime.

If you want to freeze it, put it in some ice cube trays so you can take a bit out at a time!

[Cheeks1206]

I'll have to look at the bottle when I get home but I know it says to refrigerate after opening and I'm fairly confident it has some sort of preservitive, but I'm not positive. As far as freezing goes, I guess I'm mostly concerned about the freezing process damaging the gel's structure. Will it still be gel-like when it's thawed?

[celeritas]

Is this a gel or juice? If it's a gel, it may or may not be okay - it depends on how it is gelled. If it is a juice, you're fine.

[Cheeks1206]

It is gel by Lily of the Desert. I think I'll try to freeze just a little bit of to see what happens.