For a long time, Irish Moss and Irish Moss Paste seemed so very intimidating to me that whenever I’d see it posted, I would avoid the recipe. At some point, I started to wonder what it was I was missing. I dropped my guard, let go of my fear and discovered what a great ingredient this really is.
If I can help you to eliminate any anxiety you may have that prohibits you from trying this amazing product, I’ll be very happy. It is really worth looking into and I hope this article helps.
When I began researching this peculiar looking ingredient, I soon realized it was more than just a substance to gel my dessert mousse or add creaminess to pudding or ice cream. Irish moss is an emulsifier that enhances the body of your dish, but it also adds lather to shampoo, soap, and conditioner. It’s an emollient that softens your skin, so use it alone or mixed with lotions. Put a small amount in the palm of your hand, and add as you shampoo, and see what happens! (note: use half the amount of shampoo you normally do).
Irish moss is also reported to have incredible healing properties, minerals, and other nutrients.
Yes, it’s a bit intimidating at first…and pretty ugly too!
Once you get past the initial observation of odor and texture..the transformation is amazing!
How Do I Prepare Irish Moss Paste? Gather a small handful of moss and rinse, rinse rinse. It has an oceanic aroma which disappears after soaking and blending.
After rinsing and scrubbing with your fingers, or a little veggie brush, place moss in a glass jar, filled with filtered water and soak in refrigerator 6-12 hours. (Rinse at least twice, replacing with clean water, checking for any stones, sand, or impurities). When the sea moss is ready to use, it is practically odorless and tasteless.
Remove moss from the jar, and rinse again, using a sieve). Chop into small pieces.
If you are short on time soak the Irish Moss in lukewarm water for a few hours only. However, it will lessen a little of its gelatinous effect and you should use a little more in your recipe. The moss is ready when it has a creamy white color and nearly double size and weight than its dry original state. (Photo of soaked, un-chopped moss)
Using a high speed blender, add 2 cups of water, per 1 cup chopped moss, and blend, blend, scrape sides of blender, and blend some more. Stop periodically so as not to overheat your blender.
Scoop out a small amount of mixture on a spatula and rub between your fingers. If there is any grit, continue to blend until the mixture is smooth and silky between your fingers.
Store in a clean, covered, glass container until ready to use. (Add to smoothies, puddings, salad dressings and mousse).
How Do I Store Irish Moss? Dry Irish Moss can stay up to a year in a cool dry place. If you have soaked more Irish moss than you need, store it in the fridge in water and change the water every day. It should keep up to 2 weeks. Store the paste in the fridge for up to 10 days.
What You Don’t Eat – You Can Wear!
WEAR IT! Irish moss paste has an aloe vera gel consistency and is a powerful emollient. Apply it to your face, rough elbows, and feet. (after testing a small area to determine you have no sensitivity to it). Blend with fresh, peeled cucumber for a soothing face mask. Apply, let dry, and rinse.
As we age, skin loses it’s elasticity. Irish Moss Paste may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and can diminish dark circles and bags under the eyes. It rehydrates and leaves skin feeling silky and smooth, aiding with sunburn, irritations, psoriasis, eczema, etc.
Try mixing with lavender scented lotion, and a drop of peppermint essential oils and you have a fantastic foot massage oil.
While shampooing, add about 1-2 tablespoons to your favorite shampoo and conditioner. (DO NOT PUT DIRECTLY INTO THE SHAMPOO BOTTLE). WOOT! Feel how silky your hair is. If you have any scalp irritations or dandruff, this is supposed to be a great remedy.
So, what you don’t eat…you can wear! I usually store two separate bowls in my refrigerator, one for food, and one for …everything else.
Where Can I Find This Ingredient?
Purchase Irish moss at The Raw Food World .
Irish moss is now thought to contain 15 of the 18 essential elements that make up the human body.