Sea Vegetable
Irish Moss
Irish moss (carrageen moss, Chondrus crispus) is a red seaweed traditionally simmered for gels, drinks, and thickening. It is a natural source of carrageenan and has a mild marine flavour when cleaned and cooked. Sold dried whole or as flakes. Distinct from processed pure carrageenan powder used in industry.
Also known as: Carrageen Moss, Irish Moss, Irish Moss, Mousse d'Irlande
Explore further
Breeds, cuts & preparations
Variety
Atlantic ChondrusCarrageen MossChondrus crispusIrish MossMastocarpus Related TradePearl Moss
Source
AquacultureOutdoor FarmedWild
Provenance
Fair TradeHand HarvestedOrganicSeasonalSingle OriginSustainableWild Harvested
Preparation
BoiledDriedFlakeFreshFrozenPickledPowderRoastedSalad CutSheetSoakedSteamedStripToastedWhole
CommonCharacteristic
BrinyCleanGelatinousMarineMildMineralNeutralSubtle
History
IE
Atlantic Irish and Scottish coasts used carrageen moss in folk cookery and remedies.
IE
Irish moss blancmange and gels became known beyond coastal harvesting communities.
Industrial carrageenan extraction from Chondrus and related red algae expanded worldwide.
Whole-food Irish moss returned to specialty sea-vegetable and natural-food markets.