Sea Moss is a seaweed often used as a thickening agent in puddings, beverages, ice cream and more when animals products can't be used, or in a raw food diet.
Sea Moss is a seaweed considered to have numerous health benefits and sometimes is called a superfood. It's thought to be healing to the digestive tract, used in weight loss programs and a source of many nutrients, however there aren't many studies to confirm all of the benefits.
It's an ingredient that I'm familiar with as it is often used in the Caribbean, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I tried preparing it myself. I was wandering through a local market in Trinidad and walked away with a package of dried Sea Moss and dried hibiscus.
What is Sea Moss and Irish Moss?
Sometimes the names sea moss and Irish moss are used interchangeably, and while they both are seaweed there are differences.
- Irish Moss (chondrus crispus) is a seaweed that grows in colder waters around Europe, North America, and Canada.
- Sea Moss grows in warmer waters around Asia, South America and the Caribbean.
- Irish Moss tends to have flat leaves while Sea Moss (gracilaria) tends to have thicker, branch-like sections.
- The nutrient composition in Irish Moss and Sea Moss can differ based on the species of algae and the waters it is grown in.
A number of years back carrageenan, which is derived from Irish Moss, came under fire in a study that claims carrageenan can cause gastro-intenstinal distress and inflammation. After some research I've made the choice to continue to consume sea moss, but it's up to you to decide for yourself.
Where to buy Sea Moss
You'll often find dried sea moss in Caribbean or Asian markets, and in some health food stores. It might not look super appealing in it's natural state and smells a bit (okay, a lot!) like the sea. Never fear, it will all work out and your end product will not taste like ocean water.
When you buy sea moss it will be dried, covered in salt and sometimes have bits of darker seaweed attached to it or some sand. Don't forget, this is a natural ingredient that comes from the ocean and there will be variations from batch to batch.
How to Make Raw Sea Moss Gel
Time needed: 13 hours.
There are 2 ways to prepare the sea moss gel. It can be boiled to quickly soften the moss and make the gel, or it can be soaked overnight. I'm sharing the overnight soak method for a raw end product. Both methods work and it's your preference how you prepare it.
- Rinse
Take a small amount of sea moss (1 - 2 oz) out of package and give it a good rinse once or twice to get some of the salt and sand off.
- Soak
Put it into a large bowl filled with cool water. It doesn't look like a lot but this stuff really expands so make sure to use a bowl large enough for the seaweed to double in size and still be submerged in water.
- Rehydrate
Cover and leave overnight in the water to rehydrate.
- Rinse Again
Remove the sea moss from the bowl and dump out the water. You may see some sand at the bottom of the bowl that has come off as the sea moss rehydrates. Give it another good rinse, making sure to get rid of any salt and sand that may have settled on the bottom of the bowl.
- Blend
Put the moss into a blender with a bit of fresh water and blend. It takes a bit of time to break down and the amount of water used depends on how thick you want the end product. Add more water as needed to get to the desired consistency, keeping in mind that the gel will thicken up a bit as it sits.
If you have high-powered blender this step will go faster, but any blender will work. Blend in batches and go slow. The gel gets quite thick and can give your blender quite a workout!
- Store in the refrigerator
Pour it into an airtight jar and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How to Use Sea Moss Gel
You can use this gel to thicken puddings and desserts, smoothies and other beverages. If you are avoiding animal products, following a vegan diet or a raw diet this is often used as an alternative to gelatin.
ERIC says
I use Irish Moss and ginger as an expectorant when I'm catching cold.
Using 750ml of bottled water, I soak 14g of well dried Irish Moss for 24 hours. Using a thumbfull quantity of freshly chopped ginger, I make a cup (250ml) of tea and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator alongside the Irish Moss. I blend the two together, including the fragments of ginger, and simmer for 30 minutes before pouring the concoction into a wide mouth ball jar. I refrigerate after cooled and use approx 250ml at a time to make a smoothie of my choice. Whatever chest congestion I'd been feeling is usually long gone before the liter of elixir is.
Hema says
Thanks for sharing Eric. I haven't used Irish Moss in this way, but it's always great to find new ways of using such a great ingredient!
Hema says
Thanks for sharing!
Tina Marie says
Lovely explanation Heme. Thank-you.
Do you know if Irish moss in its congealed form can be successfully frozen for a period of time?
Blessings.
Tina Marie
Hema says
Hi Tina Marie:
I have not tried it myself but from my understanding it can be frozen. I hope that helps!
Marcellus says
I'm just trying it out to boost my immune system
Pat says
I have a dry mucus’s cough that keeps me up at night can Irish Sea moss help me to get this mucus out and can I get it in a pill form if their is such thing
Hema says
Hi Pat: Thanks for reaching out. This is something that you should talk to your health care provider about as there could be many reasons for the cough. I have seen Irish Moss in pill form, but I have not tried any of them. Good luck!
felix adegboruwa says
What are the health benefits of Irish Moss?
Bryan says
How do I take the sea moss? Is it best to add to a drink or spread on a salad?
Hema says
Hi Bryan:
It's best added to a drink or smoothie. It's pretty thick and doesn't have much taste on its own. Keep in mind that because it is thick, it will thicken up any drink that you may add it to. Good luck!
Reese says
Hi, where do you buy your seamoss from if you dont mind sharing. :)))))
Hema says
Hi Reese: I got some Irish Moss when I was in Trinidad and have also purchased locally in a Caribbean market (I'm in Toronto). You can often find it in health food stores but I find that to be a bit more expensive.