It is certainly natural to associate the Canary Islands with banana plantations, but bananas are not the only product that grows in the archipelago.
In La Gomera and more specifically in the Valley of Hermigua, there is also large-scale plantation of aloe vera. The properties and well-adaptation to the environment of aloe vera plant has led to the develop the plantation.
Hermigua is a well-known town located on the northern part of La Gomera, hosting the legendary forest of El Cedro, and the lush vegetation in the mountains, which gives the green colour to the valleys. It is one of the most fertile lands of the island, and perhaps the reason why the largest aloe vera plantations in the Canary Islands are more developed.
Finca Canarias is located in the area of Hermigua, next to the Barranco de Monteforte, in the northwest part of the island, and it has 8,000 aloe plants distributed in 10,000 m2 and a visitor centre. It is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00.
This centre provides all visitors with information about aloe vera properties and uses, as well as its ecological cultivation.
There, you will see an explanation about how to cut a leaf and to extract its gel. In addition, some products made with aloe vera will be available to test them.
If you want to get to know everything about this plant, don't miss this 40-minute free-guided tour, available in the following languages: Spanish, English, German, French, and Italian.
The origin of Aloe Vera
It is believed that the aloe vera plant is native to the Arabian Peninsula. The climate, weather and soil, in some areas of La Gomera provide the proper growing conditions for aloe vera.
The plant requires three years to reach maturity, only the adult plant leaves contain 100% of their valuable properties.
The volcanic soil is fertile, rich in many essential nutrients and minerals, which provide extra value and high-quality plants.
Finca Canarias photo
The properties and benefits of aloe vera are almost endless. Among others, It helps to treat skin issues, acne and accelerates the healing of burns.
Its juices are used in after-shaves, post-waxing care, cosmetics and personal products, providing pain relief, feeling of comfort and freshness.
Thanks to its high levels of protein, many people use aloe vera as anti-ageing effects or to treat redness skin.
Aloe vera is also used as a treatment for a variety of common issues related to the scalp, as a complement to pain relief, a medication to treat angina ... and so we can continue with a long list of aloe vera uses
This plant has so many properties for our skin, although ingesting aloe vera could be beneficial for your health as well.
Finca Canarias photo
It is safe to eat aloe vera only if it is cut and prepared properly. First we have to cut the leaf and wash it to finally put it in water for about eight hours, so we can remove a slimy tissue called aloin.
The aloe vera from the Hermigua Valley has a high-standard quality; so many visitors at Finca Canarias buy some of the products made with this plant, especially cosmetics.
We could say that aloe vera has always been present on the island,
Although its popularity has increased for the time being and more visitors are coming to see and take with them a beneficial souvenir of the island.