What is Irish Moss?

Irish Moss is the dried seaweed Chondrus crispus, a red marine alga that grows on the rocky shores of the North Atlantic in Europe and North America. It is the traditional source of carrageenan, the natural thickening polysaccharide now also produced industrially.

About the seaweed

Irish moss is a small red-purple alga that clings to rocks between the tides. Coastal Atlantic communities, especially in Ireland, harvested and dried it, during which the color fades toward a pale yellow-white, and used it to thicken puddings and as a winter food. The classic "carrageen pudding" is made by simmering the dried moss in milk, which sets into a soft gel as it cools thanks to the natural carrageenan. It naturally contains iodine and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Note that "sea moss" is a broad marketing term that covers Irish moss and several other seaweeds; true Irish moss is Chondrus crispus.

Related products

• Irish Moss Powder — the same seaweed, ground for direct use.

Irish Moss: form & sizes

We carry Irish Moss as whole dried seaweed, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store dried Irish moss in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity.

Irish Moss at a glance

Botanical name

Chondrus crispus

Type

Red marine alga (seaweed)

Native habitat

Rocky North Atlantic coasts

Common names

Irish Moss, Carrageen Moss, Pearl Moss, Sea Moss

Notable compound

Carrageenan

Form

Whole dried seaweed

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb