Irish sea moss is a red seaweed that grows along the rocky Atlantic coasts of Europe and the Caribbean. It has been eaten for generations as a food and a natural thickener, and today it is one of the most talked about superfoods in Kampala.
What does sea moss contain?
Sea moss provides naturally occurring minerals such as iodine, magnesium, calcium and potassium, plus dietary fibre. Mineral levels vary with where and how the sea moss was grown, which is why buying from a trusted source matters.
Iodine contributes to normal thyroid function. Because sea moss is naturally high in iodine, it is a food to enjoy in sensible amounts, not by the cupful.
How to make sea moss gel
- Rinse the dried sea moss well in clean water to remove sea salt and sand.
- Soak it in fresh water for 12 to 24 hours until it is soft and has doubled in size.
- Drain, then blend with fresh water (about 1 cup of water per cup of soaked sea moss) until smooth.
- Pour into a clean glass jar and refrigerate. It sets into a gel within a few hours.
Keep sea moss gel in the fridge and use it within about three weeks. If it smells sour or changes colour, throw it away.
How much should you take?
Most people take 1 to 2 tablespoons of gel a day. If you have a thyroid condition, take thyroid medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before adding sea moss to your diet.
Five easy ways to use it
- Blend a spoonful into a passion fruit or mango smoothie.
- Stir into millet or maize porridge for a creamier texture.
- Thicken soups and stews instead of using flour.
- Mix into fresh juice with ginger and lemon.
- Add to homemade face masks with honey.
Sea moss is not a cure for anything. It is a simple, plant-based food that can add minerals and fibre to a balanced diet, and that is reason enough to enjoy it.
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