Irish Moss is a seaweed that is beneficial to skin care and weight loss. You may want to know how to eat it and find a recipe about how to cook Irish moss.
Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus) is a seaweed, a species of red algae which is commonly found around the shores of Ireland, Great Britain and Atlantic coast of Europe.
Benefits of Irish moss
Irish moss contains about 55% the polysaccharide carrageenan, 10% protein and 15% mineral matter. It is rich in iodine and sulfur. Irish moss contains Vitamins A, D, E, F and K, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.
Irish moss is a great source of carrageenan, which is commonly used as a thickener and stabilizer in food industry, added in milk products such as ice cream and processed foods. Irish moss is also used as a clarifying agent added in beer or wine.
Irish moss interferes with the absorption of food, and may reduce serum cholesterol and possess antiviral activity. Eating Irish moss can help weight loss.
Irish moss contains polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, protein and iodine. It helps nourish and soften the skin and prevent wrinkles.
Irish moss also has expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive properties. It helps relieve goiter, thyroid conditions, tuberculosis, bronchitis, halitosis, tumors, bladder disorders, intestinal disorders, swollen joints, ulcers and varicose veins.
How to eat Irish moss
Traditionally, in Scotland and Ireland, Irish moss is boiled in milk and strained, then add sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, brandy or whisky to make a jelly.
1. Irish moss jelly – Recipe 1
Ingredients:
– Irish moss 1/2 cup
– Milk 1 quart
– Sugar 1/2 cup
– Brandy 1 table spoon
– Vanilla 1/3 teaspoon
– Nutmeg (grated) 1/2 teaspoon
Preparation:
– Soak Irish moss in cold water for one hour
– Wash it through several cold waters
– Put the Irish moss in a pot, add milk
– Bring to a boil, and simmer for 60 minutes
– Strain
– Add sugar, brandy, vanilla and nutmeg
– Pour into bowls or molds
– Let cool, then serve
Tips:
– You can use lemon juice instead of brandy and nutmeg to help relieve tuberculosis, tonsilitis, quinsy and coughs
– You can add cinnamon to the jelly to help improve sex drive
2. Irish moss drink – Recipe 2
Ingredients:
– Irish moss 100g
– Water 2 quarts
– Milk 1 cup
– Gum Arabic 20g
– Linseed 50g
– Sugar 200g
– Vanilla 1 table spoon
– Nutmeg (grated) 1 teaspoon
Preparation:
– Soak and wash Irish moss through several cold waters
– Put the Irish moss in a pot, add water, milk, Gum Arabic and linseed
– Bring to a boil, and simmer for 1 hour
– Strain
– Add the rest of the ingredients to the drink
– Let cool, then serve
Tips:
– The thickness of mixture can vary, you may add water to make the drink less thick
– You may add other flavorings to the drink according to your flavor
Please note, Irish moss is a food. Its effects is mild. Eating Irish moss can be beneficial to your skin and help weight loss, but you should not expect to see the improvement in a few days. You should consult your doctor before using it for long-term therapy.
References
- Roeck-Holtzhauer, Y.de 1991. Uses of seaweeds in Cosmetics. in Guiry, M.D.
- Blunden, G. 1991. Seaweed Resources in Europe: Uses and Potential. John Wiley & Sons ISBN 0-471-92947-6
- Irish Traditional Cooking: Over 300 Recipes From Ireland’s Heritage, Darina Allen, 2005
