Wash your hands and prepare a clean, sharp knife or scissors
Choose a mature outer leaf near the base of the plant
Cut the leaf as close to the stem as possible without damaging the center
Make a clean, straight cut
Let the yellow sap drain from the cut leaf for a few minutes
Rinse the leaf if needed
Trim off the spiky edges with a knife or peeler
Slice the leaf lengthwise to open it
Scoop out the clear gel with a spoon
Store the gel in a clean container in the refrigerator
Avoid cutting the central new growth leaves
Remove only a few leaves at a time so the plant stays healthy