Sea Vegetable

Gel

Irish moss gel is the carrageenan-rich extract obtained by simmering cleaned fronds and straining the liquor so it sets on cooling. The result is a clear to cloudy jelly used to thicken puddings, vegan desserts, dairy drinks, and traditional “sea moss” gels. Strength depends on seaweed-to-water ratio and boil time; under-extracted liquor stays thin, over-boiled can taste strongly of the sea. Use as a plant-based setting agent where a soft, elastic set is wanted rather than brittle agar firmness. Flavour the warm liquor with vanilla, spice, chocolate, or fruit before it cools. Commercial refined carrageenan is a more neutral industrial cousin; home gel retains more marine character.

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Quantity

Unit

Kg Liters Whole

Note

Explore further

Set Gel

Simmered Extract

Characteristics

Preparations

CookedFreshPrepared

Traits

Culinary PartVersatile

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 36.7

Amount per 100 g

Total Fat 0.49 g
Saturated Fat 0.1 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 887 mg
Salt 2.47 g
Total Carbohydrate 6.29 g
Dietary Fibre 4.03 g
Total Sugars 0.48 g
Complex / starch 0.5 g
Protein 4.24 g
Water 78.1 g

Detailed nutrients

Energy 36.7 kcal
Water 78.1 g
Carbohydrates 6.29 g
- Sugars 0.48 g
- Starch 0.5 g
- Fibre 4.03 g
Protein 4.24 g
Fat 0.49 g
- Saturated Fat 0.1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2 g
  - Omega-3 0.02 g
Vitamins 85.9 mg
- Vitamin A 15 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.04 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.18 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 0.88 mg
- Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid 0.26 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.04 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 1.7 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 42 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 0.41 mg
- Vitamin K 23.4 µg
Minerals 1110 mg
- Major Minerals 1109 mg
  - Calcium 21 mg
  - Sodium 887 mg
  - Potassium 201 mg
- Trace Minerals 1.5 mg
  - Iron 1.5 mg
Salt 2.47 g

Vitamins

vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-a: 15 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.04 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.18 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 0.88 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.26 · vitamin-b6: 0.04 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 1.7 · vitamin-b9-folate: 42 · vitamin-e: 0.41 · vitamin-k: 23.4 ·

Minerals

Sodium: 886.82 · Potassium: 201 · Calcium: 21 · Iron: 1.5 ·

Gel of Irish Moss: composition reflects this culinary part relative to the whole ingredient.

History

1800

Gel was separated in markets and kitchens as cooks specialised prep by plant or animal part.

1950

Retail packing made gel a familiar labelled form for home cooks.

Gel