Despite its name, Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) isn’t really a
moss: It’s a type of algae, or seaweed. This red, branching seaweed is
found on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Britain, Europe, and North
America. Irish moss plays an important role in a number of industries,
but one of its most common uses is in food.
Irish moss is largely made of a jelly-like substance known as carrageenan, which makes Irish moss so broadly useful. Carrageenan
can be used as a vegan substitute for gelatin, as well as a general
emulsifier, so it can be found in everything from ice cream to infant
formula. There is some significant controversy surrounding carrageenan
and Irish moss, with studies on both sides showing that carrageenan may
have both positive and negative health effects.
Here’s what you need to know about Irish moss’s effect on your health:
Health Benefits
Irish moss and other seaweeds can provide important health benefits. For example, seaweed is rich in iodine,
which is an important nutrient for your thyroid. Iodine helps your
thyroid produce hormones that control your metabolism, nerves, and bone
growth.
In addition, Irish moss and seaweed may provide health benefits like:
Better Heart Health
Seaweed, including Irish moss specifically, is one of the
best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are critical for a
healthy heart. In fact, getting enough omega-3 fatty acids is connected
to a lower risk of heart disease, blood clots,
high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Eating seaweed and Irish
moss can help you improve your heart health even if you’re not a fan of
fish.
May Help Control
Blood Sugar
One substance found in Irish moss that may be helpful is fucoxanthin. This is a carotenoid that gives Irish moss its rich red-brown color.
Studies have shown that fucoxanthin may have significant
benefits for regulating blood sugar levels. It appears to help the body
respond to insulin more effectively, meaning that your body can control
its own blood sugar with less work. For people with diabetes, eating
Irish moss may help prevent blood sugar spikes or crashes.
Reduced Risk of
Cancer
Fucoxanthin and other carotenoids found in Irish moss act as antioxidants,
which are known to help fight free radicals. Uncontrolled free radicals
can damage cells, causing them to grow in dangerous ways — damaged
cells can become cancerous. By eating seaweed like Irish moss, you may
be able to reduce your risk of developing certain cancers.
Please consult your doctor before buying and using the Irish Sea Moss
Ingredients
1 cup raw, organic Irish sea moss
lots of filtered water
1 glass jar with a lid for storage
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 25 mins
There are a couple of methods of preparing Irish moss gel, but I like this one because it's quick (no soaking for 24 hours, for instance) and makes the Irish moss really easy to use on a daily basis.
Add 1 cup of Irish moss to a large mixing bowl full of water. Allow it to soak for 10 minutes, then lift it out of the water so that the sand stays at the bottom of the bowl. You will likely need to change the water a few times to remove all of the sand if any.
Transfer the rinsed Irish moss to a medium saucepan filled with water. Bring it to a low boil over medium heat, then cover and reduce to a simmer for 12-15 minutes or until soft. Remove it from the heat and strain out the water, reserving the water for blending.
Transfer the Irish moss to a blender and add enough of the now-thickened water from the saucepan to reach the 2-3 cup measurement in your blender (depending on how thick you want the gel). Blend it on high until smooth to make a gel. Make sure you allow steam to escape to avoid a blender mishap.
Pour the gel into a glass jar and let it cool on the counter until room temperature, then cover it and store it in the fridge. It will continue to thicken as it gets colder.