Types of Aloe Vera: Powder (part 2)

Aloe vera is a tremendously versatile plant, and its soothing powers can be useful in a number of different situations. Aloe Labs has been working in this industry for years, so it should come as no surprise that we are familiar with the many benefits that this plant has to offer. One of the ways to unlock this beneficial versatility is by understanding the different forms aloe vera can take. 

Even looking at just one form of aloe vera, aloe vera powder, you will find that there are variations. Over the next few months, we will be featuring articles to help you learn some of the important distinctions that can be made between different types of aloe vera powders. We hope this helps you as you decide which form of aloe vera is best suited to your needs.

One of the major advantages that aloe powder holds over other forms of the plant is the way it increases the longevity of the product.  There are two main processes used to convert the aloe plant liquid (whether made from the inner leaf or the whole leaf) into powder.  These processes are Spray Drying and Freeze Drying.

Spray Drying

Spray Drying is a process where heat is used to evaporate the water content of an aloe liquid leaving only the dissolved solids.  The evaporation process is generally faster making this type of powder more economical.  However, the higher temperatures used to produce the powder can break down the aloe polysaccharide chains reducing the powder’s quality.  The heat also tends to darken the powder causing its typically light beige color to something more yellowish or, if left too long in the dryer or at too high a temperature, brown.  

Freeze Drying

 Freeze Drying is a process where cold vacuum is used instead of heat to evaporate the water content of an aloe liquid leaving only the dissolved solids.  The color of a powder produced by freeze drying is determined by the color of the concentrated plant liquid placed into the trays.  For example, if the concentrated liquid has not gone through a decolorization process, the powder will likely be very dark.  Therefore, the decolorization process plays a large part in how light the resulting powder will be.  In any event, the Freeze Drying process is usually considered to produce a higher quality aloe vera powder.  However, the evaporation process takes much longer which adds to a higher priced powder.

As you can see, there are advantages to each type of powder for whatever your needs are.  Aloe Laboratories, Inc. specializes in producing high-quality freeze dried aloe vera powders.  If you are interested in freeze dried powders made from either inner leaf liquid or whole leaf (leaf) liquid, we would be happy to help.

Looking for Aloe Vera?

If so, you’ve come to the right place. At Aloe Labs, we have cultivated more than 150 acres of aloe vera, because we believe in the many benefits that this plant has to offer.

Want to take a look at the products we have available? You can do so by taking a look at our store. Have any questions? If so, you can give us a call at 956-428-8416.