Vegan Irish Moss (Sea Moss) Drink

If you haven’t tried Vegan Irish Moss (Sea Moss) Drink, then you definitely should. It is an amazing Jamaican drink, commonly drank along with other popular Jamaican drinks such as Peanut Punch and Sorrel Drink. The Irish moss or sea moss drink is believed to originate from the Irish immigrants who came to the island. 

What Is Irish Moss (Sea Moss)?

Irish moss is a species of red algae, also commonly called carrageen moss. It is found on the Atlantic shores of North America and Europe.

There are several varieties that fall in the classification of sea moss, namely Chondrus crispus (found in colder climates), Gracilaria (found in warm weather), and Eucheuma Cotonni. 

Being a type of sea vegetable, this makes Irish moss is vegan and gluten-free.

An ingredient commonly used commercially as a thickener and stabilizer is carrageenan. Carrageenan is the processed byproduct of Irish moss, which is the whole plant and must not be confused with carrageenan.

Irish moss has been popular in many cultures throughout the world for its culinary, aphrodisiac, and medicinal benefits, and it is now touted as a superfood. It was used as a food source during the Great Potato Famine in Ireland. The Irish diet staples, potatoes, had blight, and many had to turn to sea vegetables as a source of food. 

It is also popular because of Dr. Sebi’s sea moss drink. Dr. Sebi was a world-renowned herbalist, who promoted the use of sea moss for its healing benefits. Read More What Is Sea Moss?

Irish moss can be found on Amazon. 

What Are the Benefits Of Irish Moss?

Irish moss is a good source of vitamins and minerals (see here for a nutritional breakdown):

• Helps to boost immune function
• Great for skin, hair, and nails
• Improves thyroid function
• Improves mood
• Sexual health
• Reduces mucus congestion. 
• It is a good source of fiber, potassium, calcium, iodine, trace minerals, and vitamins A, B, D, E and K
• Irish moss can be used as a gelatin substitute.

My love for Irish moss goes way back to my childhood days growing up in a small country town by the seaside called Hopewell in Jamaica.

Our house was in front of the beach. After a storm or hurricane, my family would go to the beach to collect lots of brown Irish moss that would be washed ashore by the strong waves. 

I quickly learned to identify Irish moss among the other numerous varieties of sea vegetables. We would collect them and take them home, place them on top of the roof to dry for several days until they were completely dried for long term storage. The Irish moss would change color to a translucent cream color after drying in the sun. 

My mom would rehydrate the Irish moss by soaking in cold water overnight. The Irish moss would soak up the water and double in size to a more cartilaginous texture. 

She would then drain the Irish moss and cook in boiling water until it softens. The Irish moss mixture would then be blended with condensed milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  See What Is Sea Moss Gel?

For my vegan version, I used coconut milk and dates instead of the condensed milk. 

Ingredients For Making Vegan Irish Moss (Sea Moss) Drink

• Irish Moss or Sea Moss – it is sold online on Amazon or at local Caribbean supermarkets.
• Water
• Ground Flaxseeds – thickens the drink and adds fiber, omega 3 fatty acids. Great for bowel function.
• Non-Dairy Milk – I have used organic soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk. 
• Pitted Dates – make sure there are no seeds. You can soak the dates in hot water to soften. You can also use your favorite sweetener. 
• Vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg – you can substitute cinnamon and nutmeg for milder spices like coriander and cardamom.

How To Make Vegan Irish Moss (Sea Moss) Drink?

There are two ways to prepare your Irish moss drink. The first method is the raw method, where you wash and soak the Irish moss in cold water. The soaked Irish moss is blended and stored in an air-tight container.

The Irish moss gel is added to smoothies, teas, soups, sauces. Basically, no heat is applied to the making of the Irish moss gel.

For this recipe, I’m sharing the way my mom did it, and many Jamaicans still prepare their Irish moss this way.  

Wash, soak and boil the Irish moss until soft. Add the Irish moss gel to a blender with non-dairy milk, dates, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Process until the Irish moss drink is smooth and creamy. 

Prepare the Irish Moss Gel

1. Wash dried Irish moss to remove sand and salt. I washed about 5 times. 
2. Place Irish moss in a bowl covered with cold water and soak for 15 minutes or overnight.
3. Place Irish moss in a pot with ground flaxseeds and water. 
4. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
5. Remove the pot from the stove and allow to cool completely. The Irish moss will soften and the liquid will be thick when cooled. 
6. Store in a container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for about 10 days. 

Prepare the Irish Moss Drink

1. Take 1 cup of the cooled cooked Irish moss, place in a high-speed blender.
2. Add non-dairy milk, pitted dates, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. 
3. Process until smooth and creamy. 

How To Store Irish Moss?

1. Place Irish moss in the refrigerator for about 10 days in a container with a tight-fitting lid or a glass jar with a lid.  
2. Portion Irish moss mixture in freezer bags and store in the freezer for about 3 months. 

Ways To Use Irish Moss Gel?

1. Prepare Sea Moss Smoothie
2. Prepare salad dressings and sauces
3. Add to vegan desserts, pies, mousses, and jams
4. Add to soups and stews
5. Make teas

Other Amazing Jamaican Vegan Recipes To Try

1. Jamaican Vegan Recipes
2. Pigeon Peas Stew
3.  Blue Draws
4. Vegan Plantain Tart
5. Jamaican Seasoned Rice

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