Can we use aloe Vera for making a herbarium? If we can, how should we dry it?
Answers
Answer: Yes
Explanation:
First wash the leaf thoroughly. Next, you will need to peel off the outer layers (the rind) of each leaf. Once you have the outer layer off, wash it thoroughly. The yellow juice from the rind has a laxative effect and can also deplete your body of potassium so just be sure to wash and rewash the leaf before continuing. Once you have it rinsed, cut this outer layer into manageable sized pieces that are all about the same size (so they dry evenly) and place the pieces onto your dehydrator trays. Be sure to place them on the tray slimy side up. Next, cut up or scoop up the pulpy part of the Aloe Vera leaf and place them pulp side up on your dehydrator trays. Turn on your dehydrator to 135 degrees. It will probably take the rind about 12 hours to dry but the pulpy part can take 48-56 hours to completely dry. You know the pulp is ready when it turns to a crumbly white powder or will be super dry and brittle, depending on how thick you put the aloe on the trays. Once all pieces are completely dry, put them into a blender or a food processor and pulse them until they turn into a fine powder. Store them in vacuum sealed bags or in sealed mason jars.