Irish moss is a nutritious, raw dried red algae, which grows on the rocky coasts of the Atlantic, and is high in a variety of vitamins and minerals. It is high in iodine, which is known for its contribution to healthy thyroid function. Taurine, an amino acid which is notoriously lacking from a plant-based diet, is more abundant in Irish moss than any other type of seaweed. More about the many benefits of Irish moss can be found here.
Irish moss is typically used as a plant-based thickening agent and can be found in many products in the grocery store under the name “carrageen” or “carrageenan.” It can be used to thicken anything from smoothies and shakes to mousses and meringues to sauces and gravies. It can also be used a binder in raw desserts as well as a replacement for gelatin or egg whites in baked goods. Otherwise you can simply use Irish moss as a supplement in your daily routine.
Ingredients
Using dried Irish moss
- 500ml warm water for soaking
- 100ml water for blending
Using Irish moss powder
- 100ml water
Equipment
Using dried Irish moss
- A medium sized mixing bowl
- A colander or mesh sieve
- A blender
- A jar with lid, for storage
Using Irish moss powder
- A small mixing bowl
Instructions
For dried Irish moss
- To wash Irish moss, add it to a bowl with enough water to cover. Set aside for 20 minutes, then drain and rinse a couple times to remove any debris. Doing this first before properly soaking will help reduce the seaweed flavour.
- Add 500ml warm water and let soak for 2 to 3 hours or overnight, this makes it easier to blend smooth. Before blending, rinse and drain again a few times in cold water.
- Blend with 50ml water on high speed for a minute or two. Add another 50ml water and blend again until smooth. Mixture may foam through this process, but don’t worry – it will settle into a gel once cooled. Transfer foam to a jar, close and store in the fridge. If stored correctly, gel can last up to 3 weeks.
- TIPS: Use spoonfuls of gel to thicken smoothies and soups. 30g gel will set 250ml of liquid into a thick custard or cheesecake consistency. 4g gel can replace 1 egg white.
For Irish moss powder
- In a small bowl combine Irish moss powder add water spoonful's at a time and carefully mix well, making sure every pocket of powder is mixed with water. If you add all the water at once, it can be challenging to mix everything well. The more you mix, the smoother it will be. A gel will immediately form and get thicker over time.
- This gel can be dissolved into soups, sauces and gravies easily as the heat and other liquid will help it do its job. If you'd prefer a looser consistency (to make it easier to add to smoothies, shakes or baked goods) keep adding water one spoonful at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- NOTE: Irish moss powder has a stronger seaweed smell than if you made a gel from washed and soaked dried Irish moss.
More information
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