IUBio

[Microbiology] Re: Stabilising Aloe vera

Mike McWilliams michael.mcwilliams at drdc-rddc.gc.ca
Tue Jun 28 12:18:27 EST 2005


Dave wrote:
> lol
> 
> I would love to buy an Aloe Vera plant, but I cant seem to find a source of 
> the Aloe Barbadensis Miller variety here in UK.
> 
> D
> 
> "Scott Coutts" <scott.coutts at med.monash.edu.au> wrote in message 
> news:w1nve.4055$oJ.999 at news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> 
>>Dave wrote:
>>
>>>Hi
>>>
>>>Thanks for this reply, it does help me to understand what they are 
>>>talking about.
>>>
>>>If the bottle is sealed would it need to be refrigerated before it was 
>>>opened? Would the yeast and other bacteria grow while sealed. Or does 
>>>this mean it would need to be refrigerated and consumed within a few 
>>>weeks after opening?
>>>
>>
>>If the yeasts are already in the bottle, they will not care that it is 
>>sealed and they will still grow. Usually when product labels instruct you 
>>to refrigerate after opening, it is because you are letting bugs into the 
>>bottle which will then grow. Usually these products are sterile or, at 
>>least, pateurised (heat treated) before packaging, and they're packaged 
>>into sterile containers and sealed. Keeping it cold wont do it any harm 
>>regardless of whether it needs it or not.
>>
>>Perhaps the best option for you would be to buy an aloe vera plant! You'd 
>>certainly get it as fresh as you want it. I dont know anything about 
>>growing them, or how fast they grow, but I certainly know that you can do 
>>it.
>>
>>Scott. 
> 
> 
> 

One way to avoid all these problems would be to explore the possibility 
of freeze drying. You need a source for -40 temperature, and some vacuum 
pumps.

Freeze drying has been used to keep bacterial strains viable for over 10 
years at room temperature.

Since you probably just want the gooey juices, why not try drying with 
mild heat and reconstituting in a blender with water?

This sounds like more fun than slamming it in the fridge anyway



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