Like any raw vegetable, sea moss must be rinsed and cleaned before it can be ingested. This is mainly due to the fact that this type of seaweed is often crawling with all sorts of dirt and debris that must be removed through washing. Let’s take a look at the detailed process of cleaning sea moss before using.
Table of Contents
- How to Clean Raw Sea Moss?
- What is Sea Moss?
- How to Make Sea Moss Gel
- Storing Sea Moss
- Sea Moss Drink Bonus Recipe
- Cleaning Sea Moss
- FAQs
How to Clean Raw Sea Moss?
Before your sea moss is ready to use, you must clean the sea moss, removing any sea debris, dirt, and particles from its tendrils. Before handling sea moss, you must ensure that your hands are clean, avoiding contamination.
Never use tap water to clean your sea moss. You must use filtered, spring, or alkaline water.
How Long Should Raw Sea Moss Soak?
Once you’ve cleaned the sea moss, place the sea moss in a large bowl and cover it with filtered water, allowing it to soak for at least 24 hours. You can leave the submerged sea moss on the kitchen counter, covered at room temperature.
Once the sea moss has finished soaking, it will have expanded due to the absorption of water, which means that it is ready to use.
Can You Boil Raw Sea Moss?
Boiling sea moss is one of the methods used when making sea moss gel. I prefer to soak the dried sea moss, as this guarantees a finished product containing the highest nutrient content. Soaking the sea moss enables the nutrients to flow within the water it is soaked in. This water can then be used as a base for sea moss drinks, or simply added to the blender with the soaked sea moss to make sea moss gel.
Sea moss gel is an incredible addition to hot drinks, and foods when cooking, as it provides lots of nutritional benefits. These scrumptious sea moss drink recipes are the perfect example of a highly nutritious drink!
What is Sea Moss?
Sea moss is a type of sea weed that grows on the rocks along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a small seaweed, complete with small tendrils that branch outwards. Sea moss can come in a variety of colours ranging from yellow-green to dark purple.
Sea moss is often used for nutritional or medicinal benefits, and is a type of superfood that has recently been rediscovered. Consume sea moss raw, added to smoothies, blended into a gel, and swallowed as a capsule. The best way to take advantage of its nutrients, is through raw consumption.
Did you know that adding cleaned sea moss to your morning smoothies, is the best way to boost your immunity!
Types of Sea Moss
There are many types of sea moss, and the most popular kinds are Irish sea moss and Jamaican sea moss. Irish sea moss is a little scarce compared to Jamaican sea moss, and this is because it only grows at a certain time of the year. Whereas Jamaican moss grows and is harvested all year round!
Benefits of Sea Moss
Sea moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals that our bodies need to function. Due to its thick and sticky nature, it helps soothe mucus membranes within the body, effectively helping the body eliminate excess mucus, especially when you have a cold! Sea moss is one of the best kinds of natural remedies you can use to help get rid of bad bacteria and improve digestion, so you can say adios to bloated tummies!
Sea moss is also exceptional for your skin. Since it’s loaded with vitamins and minerals, sea moss does wonder when applied directly to the skin. If you suffer from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne, then this is your antidote!
Additional benefits of sea moss include:
- Promotes weight loss: Sea moss possesses an element called alginate which promotes weight loss, by clinging to fat cells and blocking them from becoming absorbed into the body. Sea moss is also a great source of fiber, promoting a fuller gut and preventing overeating.
- Heart healthy: Since sea moss is brimming with minerals like magnesium, it can help control blood pressure, and encourage the heart to function properly.
- Good source of iodine: Sea moss is a good source of iodine, which enables the thyroid gland to function properly. Iodine also plays an important role in fertility.
- Boosts immunity: Sea moss is an incredible source of vitamins A, C, and E, which can help boost immunity, and reduce the risk of infection.
- Builds muscle: Sea moss is an amazing source of protein, which is an essential component in the repair and growth of muscles. Sea moss can also reduce the risk of muscle soreness after an intense workout.
- Increased energy: The vitamins and minerals in sea moss can help increase energy levels. A spoonful of sea moss gel or a sea moss smoothie can help keep you energized for the day!
- Prevents kidney stones: Sea moss’ iodine can help prevent kidney stones and kidney disease.
Vitamins found in Sea Moss
Some of the vitamins and minerals found in sea moss include:
- Potassium
- Iodine
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- Vitamins A, K, and E
- Zinc
- Folate
How to Make Sea Moss Gel
To make sea moss gel, you must first wash your sea moss with filtered water, taking extra care to remove any debris, and fragments of dirt clinging to the seaweed.
- Carefully submerge your washed sea moss, using spring or filtered water. Let your sea moss soak for 24-48 hours.
- Once your sea moss has expanded in size, and adopted a jelly-like texture, remove it from the liquid and transfer it to a clean and dry plate. Do not throw the water away, as it now contains lots of nutrients from the sea moss, which will be used to make the gel. Albeit if the water contains any debris, or appears cloudy, then discard and use fresh spring or alkaline water to make your sea moss gel.
- Add the soaked sea moss to a high-powered blender, followed by the water. Use 1 cup of water to begin, gradually adding more depending on the desired consistency.
- Blend until it’s smooth, then transfer the sea moss into an airtight container and refrigerate. After a couple of hours, the sea moss should thicken in the refrigerator, ready to add to your drinks and smoothies.
Storing Sea Moss
Store your sea moss gel in an airtight container. Sea moss gel remains ingestible when refrigerated for up to 1 month.
However, if you wish to preserve your sea moss gel for longer, then you can simply freeze the gel for up to 3 months. Additionally, you can pour the gel into an ice-cube tray, and freeze for later use. This is great for adding to smoothies and blending, to create the perfect creamy smoothie.
Store dry sea moss for up to one year in an airtight container.
Sea Moss Drink Bonus Recipe
This delicious sea moss drink recipe is incredibly delicious and vegan-friendly. A glass of nature’s goodness will have you feeling powerful all day!
And here’s how you can make it.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. Jamaican sea moss gel
- 1 cup almond milk or coconut milk
- Coconut condensed milk
- ¼ cup coconut nectar, agave nectar, or maple syrup
- ⅛ tsp. nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions
- Add 2 tablespoons of sea moss gel to a high powered blender, along with almond milk, vanilla, spices, and your chosen sweetener.
- Blend this into a smooth consistency, then add any extra additions to your smoothie.
Cleaning Sea Moss
Now that you know how to clean your sea moss before using, you can comfortably use your sea moss gel in a variety of ways, to ensure you’re taking adavtage of its beneficial properties.
FAQs
Do You Need to Wash Sea Moss?
It’s important to wash and thoroughly clean your sea moss with filtered water, taking extra care in removing bits of debris and other fragments of dirt attached to the moss.
How Long Does it Take to Clean Sea Moss?
Cleaning sea moss shouldn’t take long at all, although it depends on the quantity of sea moss you’re working with. Ideally, you should aim to wash your sea moss twice, before proceeding with the next step!
Do You Rinse Sea Moss After Soaking?
Once your sea moss has soaked for the appropriate period, rinse it under cold water, swishing it around until everything has been rinsed thoroughly.
