Sea Moss, Its Uses And The Gel Derivative (Sea Moss Gel)
Sea moss also called Irish Sea Moss is an algae that has been a human dietary component for many centuries. This unique alga is fast gaining credence as a superfood and is available in various forms. Typically, there is the dried form, ground form, and pills or droppers.
With the rise in mentions of sea moss as a superfood, various individuals have brought forward claims. From it being an immune booster to it serving as an effective skincare component.
However, Sea Moss is generally used to treat coughs, infections, and sexual problems like low libido. Other touted benefits of sea moss include; the promotion of a healthy thyroid, improved metabolism, healthier hair, skin, and nails.
For the most part, the full functionality and side effects of Sea Moss are not known, you should consume it with caution. You can also use sea moss as an ingredient in the making of things such as cakes, smoothies, juices, sauces, stews and soups, and even GELS.
Speaking about gels, the sea moss gel is one of the most used by-products of the algae. It is quite easy to make and requires only a few procedures.
Making the Sea Moss Gel
There are several methods of making Sea moss gel. We will discuss two of these methods today. The first method involves soaking and the other involves boiling.
Method 1: Soaking
For the soaking method, you should use about 30 grams of sea moss per time, and surprisingly, this can make up to 500 grams of sea moss gel. However, the amount of sea moss that you should use is dependent on the amount of sea moss gel required, the purpose for which it’s intended, and the frequency of usage.
After settling on the required amount, the next thing to do is to thoroughly wash the sea moss in clean and fresh alkaline water to make it easier to get off the excess salt and sand. It is very important to give the sea moss a very good clean even if it requires several washes as it will help reduce the grittiness.
Next up after properly washing it, Allow the sea moss to soak in alkaline water for 24 to 48 hours. Over the 24 hours, the sea moss will expand and it will be necessary to add a little more water. If it gets to a point where the sea moss exceeds the container capacity, place a weighted object over the lid to keep the sea moss submerged. With time, the sea moss will become slimy and the thallus will be easier to break off.
Once the sea moss is soft enough or the 24-hour standard period has elapsed, you can blend it with little water. Chopping up the sea moss can make blending easier. When blending, ensure that the moss obtains a consistent gel-like appearance.
If you need more volume, add some of the water where the sea moss was soaked in into the gel mixture. And voila! Your sea moss gel is ready. Store in a clean jar and refrigerate.
Method 2: Boiling
Same as with the soaking method, the sea moss needs to be thoroughly washed to remove excess salt and impurities. Right after that, soak the sea moss in alkaline water. But this time for about four to six hours. Once done, transfer into a pot and allow to simmer for about fifteen minutes at least and thirty minutes at most.
Once the water has reduced to a little amount, remove the sea moss and water mixture from the source of heat and allow each element to cool. After cooling, blend into a smooth gel.
This method is a substitute for the long wait time in the soaking method. For added flavor or the addition of extra herbs and spices, You can use nutmeg, vanilla bean, cinnamon leaf, and Bay leaf.