Wash your hands and clean a knife, spoon, and container
Cut a mature aloe vera leaf from the plant
Stand the leaf upright for 10 to 15 minutes to drain the yellow latex
Rinse the leaf thoroughly
Trim off the thorny edges
Slice the leaf open lengthwise
Scoop out the clear gel with a spoon
Place the gel in a clean bowl
Blend the gel until smooth if desired
Strain the gel to remove any remaining chunks if desired
Transfer the gel to an airtight container
Store it in the refrigerator
Use within 1 to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage