Sea moss, also called Irish Sea Moss, is a beneficial superfood with many health benefits.
If you do it right, making sea moss gel is easy and can be used in many ways.
For instance, you might add it to your smoothie or use it as a face mask.
This article discusses what sea moss is, what health benefits there may be from eating this foodstuff, and finally, what does sea moss taste like?
What is Irish Sea Moss?
Irish Sea Moss (also known as Carrageenan) is edible moss that grows along the coastlines of Ireland and Northern Europe.
This moss is often used in desserts, especially for those who have a sweet tooth.
It can be found growing on rocks and stones at the bottom of rivers or streams throughout Ireland’s coastal areas, typically between March and June when temperatures cool down but still provide plenty of rain.
Irish Sea Moss is harvested by the locals who wade into these areas with their bare feet and cut it from the rocks using a knife or razor blade, then dry it out to preserve its nutrient content.
These plants are usually only about an inch tall, and they can be green, brown, or reddish.
Sea moss is traditionally used to make desserts in Ireland, but it can also be used for many other recipes.
Types of Irish Sea Moss
Together the seaweed/algae genera Chondrus Crispus, Genus Gracilaria, and Eucheuma cottonii are collectively referred to as sea moss.
These species of algae have found a more modern purpose today in skincare regimes.
The different types of Irish sea moss are often used for various purposes that vary from skincare to nutrients.
Chondrus Crispus is a type of red seaweed/algae, and it can be found in Ireland’s northern coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and Canada.
There have been studies around its potential nutritional benefits and its effects on cholesterol levels.
Genus Gracilaria is a type of algae that can be found in Ireland’s northern coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
It has traditionally been used to feed aquatic animals and contains some medicinal properties.
Eucheuma cottonii is a type of sea moss that grows on Ireland’s shores and its coastlines.
There have been studies around its potential beneficial effects on skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, inflammation, and itchiness.
Health and Nutritional Benefits of Irish Sea Moss
Irish Sea Moss is a natural, sustainable resource for various benefits.
It provides food and shelter to innumerable marine creatures, but its high levels of sulfur and silica help with digestion and detoxification.
Irish Sea Moss is a rich source of amino acids, vitamin c, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acid, and antioxidants.
Irish Sea Moss contains minerals such as iron, phosphorus, and manganese.
The Irish sea moss is rich in various nutrients, including zinc, iodine, iron, or calcium.
Irish Sea Moss is also a great source of pantothenic acid, vitamin B 12, riboflavin, and selenium.
The Irish sea moss can relieve the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, such as joint pain or swelling, fatigue, and morning stiffness, to name just a few.
In addition, it has been found that Irish Sea Moss may help stimulate hair growth in people who are experiencing thinning hair due to excessive loss of protein caused by stress on the body’s immune system.
Does Boiling Sea Moss Kill the Nutrients
Boiling sea moss can be done.
However, it will kill the nutrients from fresh raw seaweed quickly.
Leave it in water for too long, and you’ll end up with a flavorless, stringy mess.
Hence, do not keep boiling the sea moss to death.
Just simmer it with some water and salt for a few minutes, or until it’s cooked up enough.
What Does Irish Sea Moss Taste Like?
This is one for the adventurous.
If you’re up to trying something new or want a nice texture in your meal- Irish Moss can be an interesting experience.
Irish sea moss is a plant that thrives in the cold, northern waters of Ireland.
It has an earthy taste with flavors reminiscent of those found in oysters and clams.
The texture ranges from crunchy to soft depending on how it’s prepared; you can enjoy Irish Sea Moss raw as a salad or cooked like pasta – either way, its flavor will remain intact.
Irish sea moss could add some extra zestiness when mixed into a soup or in some pasta sauce.
Irish Moss is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber to be an interesting addition to any diet.
How to Use Irish Sea Moss in Recipes
One way to use Irish Sea Moss is in salads.
Add a little sea moss into your favorite greens, and you’ll get an extra boost of vitamins, minerals, protein, antioxidants, and other nutrients that are good for the body as well as soothing to the digestive tract.
Another way to use Irish Sea Moss is in soups and sauces, or even as a meat substitute for dishes like lasagna.
You can also add some sea moss flakes to your favorite salad dressing recipe, giving it an extra umami flavor that will make anyone’s taste buds sing.
You can also use Irish Sea Moss as a garnish for dishes like eggs, pancakes, or oatmeal.
Sprinkle some sea moss on top, and you’ll have an extra boost of minerals to help get your day started right.
Sea moss can also be used in desserts such as pudding or ice cream.
Its sweet taste allows it to easily blend into any recipe you want with no problem at all.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using Ireland Sea Moss in seafood recipes such as kebabs, fish tacos, or ceviche.
You won’t regret this decision once the salty flavor hits your tongue while tasting the freshness from the ocean.
How to Use Sea Moss Gel
When you’re looking for a way to soothe your skin, sea moss gel might be the answer.
The gel is made of a plant extract that has been used for centuries to relieve skin irritation, inflammation, and itching; it can be applied directly or mixed with water as an ointment.
The plant extract is called Asparagopsis taxiformis and is a species of red algae that live in the sea, typically off the coast of Asian countries such as China or Korea.
It’s known for being rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc, all important for healthy bones and skin cells.
And these benefits could be why using this gel has been linked with improving acne by reducing inflammation on your face; it can also help soothe psoriasis symptoms.
Sea moss gel might not have the same effects when applied to your skin as a cream – which contains many more ingredients than just the moss extract.
Plus, it doesn’t have any synthetic chemicals that are usually in products for sensitive skin and can also be easily absorbed into your body when applied topically.
Sea Moss Gel is 100% natural and will not irritate or sensitize even the most delicate skins.
How to Make Fruit Infused Sea Moss Gel
Fruit-infused sea moss gel is a great way to enjoy the holiday season or any time of year for that matter.
To make fruit-infused ocean moss gel:
- Take about a cup of fruit, cut into pieces and mix with the gel. You can use any berry or stonefruit you like (we used blueberries).
- Add a few tablespoons of sugar – we added three large spoonfuls to sweeten our berries, but this will depend on how much fruit you are using.
Mix until the sugar has dissolved, and then place in the freezer for at least two hours.
When ready, it should have set firmly enough to scoop out as individual portions and store covered in plastic wrap until needed.
Once frozen, they are great eaten straight from the container, smothered over the cake, or passed around at parties as an alcoholic jelly shot.
Conclusion
Have you ever tried sea moss? Sea moss is a type of seaweed that can be eaten raw or cooked.
It has been described as tasting like the ocean and being very salty, which may not sound too appetizing to some people.
However, sea moss contains good nutrients such as iron and Vitamin C, so it’s worth giving this food a try if you haven’t already.
What Does Sea Moss Taste Like? Does Sea Moss Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Sea moss
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
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