ALOE VERA plants, the most striking element is the appearance of the plants themselves. They appear to be stemless with the leaves sprouting right out of the ground. Most people assume that Aloe is a species of cactus, but in fact they are in another family altogether - the Lily family - and are a tropical and subtropical succulent. The Aloe grown on the plantations and used. Aloe Barbendensis which is more commonly known as Aloe Vera.

The first phase in the growth, development and future use of Aloe Vera is planting; a "pup" (offshoot or sprout) from an Aloe stalk is delicately removed and carefully hand planted.

The second phase is growth itself. The thick, fleshy green leaves grow to maturity in about three years, reach a length in excess of two feet and weigh up to one to two kgs. each. Throughout the growth phase, no herbicides or pesticides are used on the plants, keeping them free of harmful chemicals. Finally, upon full maturity.

When the Aloe Vera leaves arrive at the Mission facility, they are washed, the tips and bottoms are removed, and finally they are filleted. "Fillet of Aloe" involves removal of the leaf's exterior rind and the extraction of the clear gel found in the center. The clear gel is collected in stainless steel vats and then piped through to large mixing tanks, also made of stainless steel. These tanks hold as much as of the gel. The all important, patented stabilization process prevents the loss of nutrients and other beneficial element found in Aloe Vera. After the stabilization process is completed, the gel is placed in one of the stainless steel trailers and prepared for health and cosmetic products.