Your tastes and preferences will differ from anyone else and a little trial and error never hurt. Global distribution of Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus). Because of the enormous amount of questions I get on a daily basis from that article alone, I feel it's important to share as much information as I possibly can. Chondrus has a complex haplodiplontic life cycle, alternating between male and . True kelps are actually brown seaweeds known as Phaeophytes, and it may be surprising to learn that sea mosses arent even distantly related to kelps even though both groups are called seaweed. Sea moss Chondrus Crispus or Irish sea moss has a flat fan-like top that often looks like leaves or flowers and comes in a dark purple color. Fill a bowl with water and put your sea moss in to soak for 4-8 hours. Please speak with your doctor or other licensed healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement including Irish Sea Moss. Salt of any variety including rock or table salt grains isnt ever added to real Irish moss. If you are looking to add sea moss to your diet, be sure to choose high-quality Chondrus crispus for maximum benefits. Certified Organic, sustainably hand-harvested, and good for you and the planet. It is worth noting, however, that if you are being sold purple sea moss from Jamaica or St Lucia, it is likely not Chondrus crispus, but Genus gracilaria. Genus Gracilaria can grow on both rocks and ropes. The former is the Jamaican sea moss and the type that grows in the warm waters of the Caribbean. In my opinion, that makes it a decent option. Because it's rare, it's hard to acquire and limits on how much you can get. Common species of edible red algae are Sea Moss, Nori, Dulse, Eucheuma, Guso, Ogonori, Laverbread, Carola, and others. (Read Eat Your Seaweed from the Irish Times). This was very informative and I learned a lot. In this article, were going to explore the main differences between these two forms of sea moss. Its has also know anti-viral properties.In Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, it is boiled with milk and cinnamon to make the thick drink Irish Moss and its believed to be an aphrodisiac (! Once sea moss is milled or processed into a formulation its practically impossible to confirm the species by eye without sending it to a lab. To make the product even more accessible to the masses, many companies are switching from organically farmed sea moss to farmed pool grown sea moss. Really appreciate the time you put into the article and how detailed your were on each point. This guide takes a deeper look into the two main different types of sea moss and which one is beneficial to have in your curvy vegan diet! About 2-3 years ago, though, we saw Irish moss grow in popularity with our customers and on the internet and get endorsements from celebrities such asKim Kardashianand others. Irish moss benefits for the medical world. Both have lots of health benefits and give you plenty of nutrients and minerals for your everyday health. Related article: How to tell the difference between real and fake sea moss? CrossRef Google Scholar Lemos, D. & A. Rodriguez, 1993. What makes it so unique compared with other seaweeds? Gina, THANK YOU for this article and sharing what you've learned! Genus Gracilaria grows in warmer waters most popular Jamaica and St. Lucia (it's not exclusive to these areas but these are the areas you often hear this species being sold from). But they could be legit! I found this 102 Mineral Photo on Pinterest and it made me ask myself this question: From my understanding the body only needs 16 to 22 minerals give or take. Are they all the same thing or at least equally good? Chondrusis usually reddish/purple and darker than the tropical species, which are often pale or straw colored because they are exposed to more intense sunlight while growing and during solar drying. Start by prepping your sea moss. A traditional Irish recipe is to simmer about cup of Irish moss with 3 cloves (optional) in about 2 cups of water, strain, add the juice of one lemon plus honey to taste, let cool and thicken, and take as needed to relieve symptoms. Hi, I'm Gina Marie, the face behind Vegan With Curves. Both are excellent natural sources of minerals and vitamins and supplement each other. Taking a new supplement, even an all-natural one like sea moss has its risks and you should always check with your doctor or health care provider before starting something new. I realize that on a metaphysical level, one could argue that everything that exists outside of us exists within us and I do agree with that statement. I love sea moss!!! While both varieties grow naturally on rocks, Genus gracilaria can also be grown on ropes. While iodine is rare, youre more likely to experience an iodine deficiency than an overabundance but since sea moss is so rich in iodine it can be easy to overuse. Genus gracilaria Appearance One of the main differences between the two types is their appearance. Kim Kardashian loves sea moss smoothies! I personally stay away from powders unless it's through a trusted vendor (like the ones I listed above in the article) because you just do not know what you are getting when buying from these companies who just want to capitalize off the sea moss trend. One belongs to the Genus Gracilaria and the other is Chondrus Crispus. Chondrus Crispus, also known as Irish Sea Moss, is a type of edible algae or seaweed. However as I always say, DO YOUR OWN DUE DILIGENCE and decide for yourself which is best for you. Everyone is looking for a quick fix when it comes to weight loss and while there isnt a magic pill anywhere to be found, this potent seaweed is a great supplement. I get my from Vital Vegan (no plug intended) and their product is very good. We don't believe in that as it will not have the same nutrients as being raised in its natural environment. One of the main differences between the two types is their appearance. I live in the US in Pennsylvania. Question everything, and make informed, inspired, instinctive decisions. Join our mailing list for seaweed news, recipes, deals, and more! This lasts quite a while and gives you all the benefits of every type of moss. Irish moss is less likely to be faked than the gracilaria version but there are still imposters out in the world. I urge you to practice self-discipline and to NOT over-consume. The organism also consists of nearly 10% dry weight protein and about 15% dry weight, -like odour and because of the abundant cell wall polysaccharides it will form a, when boiled, containing from 20 to 100 times its weight of. And is the body made up of 102 minerals? Great article! While they chose to eat it out of a large amount of desperation, there was and still is a huge amount of benefits available in this variety as well. You can simply measure out a full teaspoon of moss as an ingredient to keep the complexity of the whole preparation to a minimum. Genus gracilaria on the other hand, maintains a lighter greenish-yellow color but can also be purple. I also liked watching the recipe videos that popped up while I was reading. definitely pinned them to my Pinterest , Gina, I wanted to THANK YOU again! Marine seaweed is a rich source of bioactive compounds, such as diterpenes and SPs, which prevent infectious disease [246,247]. We sell Maine Coast Irish Sea Moss (Chondrus Crispus) and obtain our sea moss directly from the harvester. Chondrus crispus sea moss species are scarce to find; therefore, it retails at a higher price than Genus Gracilaria. From what you are describing, that is definitely not chondrus crispus. We just have to know what we are looking at. Giant kelp, for example, is one of the largest algae and can reach 20 meters. Moderation is key! The chemical causes your body to more adequately and accurately respond to the natural levels of insulin in your body which means youll have better control over your blood sugar with less work. It's called "Jamaican Purple Sea Moss" and again is often misinterpreted as Irish Moss. But I would have to do more research before I make the claim that it has "92 minerals out of the 102 minerals the body needs. The organism also consists of nearly 10% dry weight protein and about 15% dry weightmineralmatter, and is rich iniodine andsulfur. Any supplement comes with some risks and while sea moss is an all-natural supplement there are some risks associated with using too much of the product. Because it's so easily accessible, some companies are selling what is commonly referred to as Farmed Pool Grown Sea Moss. Antioxidants (Basel). The major advantage of using this species of sea moss besides its high nutrient content (Read Sea Moss Nutritional Benefits), is that it grows all year round. While the packaging may not be as flashy, the benefits of Irish and sea moss are highly touted across the health supplement realm! Theyre not at all related to true mosses, though, which are land plants in the division Bryophyta. Do your research and find quality brands that can deliver to your area and within your timeframe. Both Genus Gracilaria and Chondrus Crispus can come in varying colors. Chondrus Crispus talus flat-shaped, edible, and many contain albumin, mineral, iodine, and sulfur. Below is a photo I took of my personal stash of Irish Sea Moss. Youve picked the perfect product and youre ready to start experiencing the benefits youve read about online and in books. Epi-phytes and other contaminants (sand, shells) were eliminated by successive washings with sea water and deionised water. Dont overlook the health benefits of the all-natural products! This yellow spiral seaweed is nutrient-dense offering 90% of the vitamins and minerals that our body needs to function. thank you. Purple sea moss is another popular variety of sea moss you often see. Chondrus crispuscommonly calledIrish moss orcarrageen moss (Irishcarraign, "little rock")is a species ofred algae which grows abundantly along the rocky parts of theAtlantic coast ofEurope andNorth America. Let it solidify in the fridge for several hours until its a more gelatinous mixture. What differentiates it from other edible seaweeds like kelp, spirulina, or wakame? However, it should be clear at this point that not all sea mosses are alike! Introducing large amounts of poligeenan into the system has been connected to large occurring ulcers within the stomach and system. These are all things in the health community we are told to lessen in our bodies and to stay away from. Thank you for the accurate information. Between a longer growing season and the pool farmed versions, you can find this type of moss in almost every corner of the market with ease. Most sea mosses have a similar frilly appearance and a habit of covering rocks with a carpet growth of just a few inches highhence the name moss. Drain the water from the bowl and as you do youll notice that the sea moss has lost some of its colors and become almost translucent. Irish moss is having a moment in the spotlight. Related article: How much sea moss can you take daily? (It's potent stuff so you don't need a lot anyway). There are lots of variations in color for both this version and the gracilaria so your batch may be different than your neighbors! mar. You should always do your due diligence when sourcing a new product whether it be sea moss or something else to ensure you are getting an authentic, naturally grown product. (about 3-4 grams) added to a smoothie contains as much iron as 50 grams of raw spinach and meets 10% of your daily magnesium requirement. Yet the similarities don't stop there. Put it into a glass jar and top it off with a lid. lol Please don't take that literal. Last updated on February 27, 2022 by Gina Marie 32 Comments. Seaweeds are macroalgae. Should you really be worried about buying fake or pool grown sea moss? They also contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and other beneficial compounds like carrageenan and anthocyanins. Chondrus Crispus aka purple irish moss only grows in cold waters such as the frigid atlantic waters of coastal Ireland and other coastal territories. For an in depth overview of Chondrus crispus, its benefits, nutrient content, and nutritional data, read this post: Despite some similarities, Chondrus crispus is generally considered the superior sea moss variety due to its higher nutrient content and more potent medicinal properties. Where can I buy actual wild grown sea moss? The main amount of nutrients within this version of Irish sea moss is derived from the rocks as well as the water where it grows. . But the similarities between sea moss and Gracilaria stop here, as they dont belong to the same order. Both species grow on rocks however Genus Gracilara can grow on ropes too. Sea . 7 Tips to on How to Build Curves on a Vegan Diet, Sea Moss Cashew Cheese Recipe (Melts, Slices, and Spreads! Fake Sea Moss | 3 Easy Tips, Irish Sea Moss (Chondrus Crispus): The Beginners Guide. Some people really don't know that there is a difference in sea moss. Sea moss is potent so there is no need to over-consume if you are living an overall healthy lifestyle. Sea moss is the edible seaweed with the most minerals and vitamins. Once youve created the gel youll be able to add it to your foods or drinks however you want or need to get the benefits it provides. This can be challenging with so many choices now available. I'm sure now that it's trending, more studies on this both varieties will come out. . Your email address will not be published. While both species vary in color, Chondrus crispus ranges from gold to dark purple or even red. Just because I don't list a company doesn't mean they are not high quality. One of these bioactive polysaccharides is carrageenan. Always check with your doctor before starting a new supplement. Also, you are subject to ingesting whatever a company decides to add to the pool to speed up production which can deplete the nutrients (much like unsustainable farming does with the soil on land to grow to produce). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6769643/, Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. This product is often rushed to grow and doesnt contain the same type of nutrients and benefits as naturally grown sea moss. Sea moss belongs to the red algae group. are attributed to these compounds. Related article: Can sea moss help with menstruation? Genus Gracilaria as Jamaican Sea Moss or Jamaican Moss Where does Genus Gracilaria grow? Just buy what you need and give everyone a chance to enjoy the benefits. This red sea vegetable contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is widely used today to benefit overall health. Does the Genus Gracilaria have the same amount of vitamins and minerals as the Chondrus Crispus? The only successfulChondrustank farm we know of is operated byAcadian Seaplantsin Canada. Gracilaria tenuistipitata. While its most commonly known and grown around the coast of Ireland it can also be grown in Maine, Canada, and other cooler waters. Poligeenan can cause problems within the digestive tract that might eventually lead to cell mutations found in cancers. We (CatoctinEssentials) sell Maine Coast Irish Sea Moss. How to tell the difference between real and fake sea moss? Things like beta-carotene, vitamin B, vitamin C, sulfur, magnesium, calcium, and zinc are all packed into this tiny package! However, they differ in nutrient types and density. I have been taking Sea Moss for two years now and I have been very pleased with how it has helped my body. The high levels of iodine within the product itself means you should always use caution when using and consuming Irish moss and other sea moss products. It is mainly used to treat low iron levels during pregnancy and for menstrual cramps, cholesterol, depression, and other health conditions. Hello! Some species of Bryophyte made medicine to overcome some of the disease. However, Dr. Sebi was hardly the first to recognize these properties. I came across Island4life selling Irish sea moss in bulk. Some companies sell sea moss, some sell Irish moss, and some sell Irish sea moss. Unfortunately, this causes many sea moss farmers to grow this variety in pools. Chondrus, Kappaphycus,andEucheumaare naturally rich in carrageenan, which comes in different forms depending on species. As you can see, you can have a variety of red color strands in one bag. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice. Chondrus Crispus is particularly effective against enveloped viruses, and bacteria causing food poisoning. Because of its rarity, it's much more expensive. Here are few studies I found on Chondrus Crispus: Check out this video below where again he talks about the scientific name of Chondrus Crispus.. A detailed study of the lipophilic composition of Codium tomentosum, Ulva lactuca, Gracilaria vermiculophylla and Chondrus crispus macroalgae cultivated in the Portuguese coast was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry before and after alkaline hydrolysis. Brown seaweeds are generally larger. This can make the paler varieties resemble noodles. And selling is fine, just know what you are selling , Thank you! Chondrus crispus is a marine red alga with sulfated galactans, called carrageenans, in its extracellular matrix. I personally consume both, more so the Genus Gracilaria simply because it's most readily available. All Rights Reserved. Other sea mosses also contain these gelatinous carbohydrates, making them similarly useful both in food and for the skin. It grows abundantly along the coastlines of Scotland, Great Britain, and especially Ireland, but its also plentiful in Canada and down into Maine, where ours is wildcrafted. Like most seaweeds, sea moss is highly nutritious, offering an abundance of minerals including iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; vitamins A, E, and C; dietary fiber; high levels of iodine; as well as unique bioactive polysaccharides being studied by scientists for their health benefits. Chondrushas several cousins that are often marketed as Irish moss or sea moss. 2 min read. To understand how it differs from other seaweeds and edible sea vegetables, lets see the characteristics of each group. This means it's more readily available. If youre accustomed to tropical sea moss, you may be surprised by the aroma and flavor of our authentic Irish moss. The protein and taurine help your body burn fat and build muscle more quickly when combined with a balanced diet and exercise. This was a great and well written article. Today, tank-based seaweed aquaculture remains largely experimental or confined to the early nursery stages prior to sea farming. I have spent my own money and time trying different companies and these are the ones I like so far. Hang on here we are almost done! Thank you so much for your help -- and Happy Healthy New Year! They share many health properties. Sea moss is an umbrella term used to describe different spices of seaweed (some say it's an algae). These carbohydrates are unique to seaweed and they show anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties in lab studies. Rather than turning to heavy-duty chemicals and medications, taking a supplement like a sea moss can help control those blood sugar levels and return them to normal. The following article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to prescribe or treat any type of medical condition or disease. Irish moss is much harder to come by. Irish moss or Chondrus crispus is much more expensive. What are you thoughts on that company ? Some even call it the new super food! Youll be able to easily set yourself up for success and start to see your body become more healthy and fit with each dose. Its often used as a snack food and sought-after by vegans chefs who use its deep burgundy leaves to make fried vegan bacon! I just left them a comment too. In conclusion, Chondrus crispus and Genus gracilaria are both wild-grown sea moss varieties that offer a nice range of health benefits. If the company naturally dehydrates it and use that dehydrated version to create their pills, capsules, and/or flakes. Nutritionally, red seaweeds like sea moss are very interesting. - Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. Farmed sea moss also helps keep the ecosystem in balance without depleting more natural resources. In this post we take a tour through the Irish moss landscape to highlight some of the important differences, and similarities, between the various sea moss options. Always look at the items that are added to the package. Like sea moss, you can eat kelp raw, cooked, in powder, or in health supplements. With the rarity and lower availability the price for this version is much higher and many stocks up for just a year so theres enough to last from season to season. Because it is more rare, and not available all year long or easy to grow in pools, there is a reduced risk in getting fake or pool grown sea moss. The most important thing is to try it and see how it makes YOU FEEL. Not so long ago most of our Irish moss sales were to specialty ingredients customers such as beer brewers. It's called Irish Moss for the following reasons mainly because it was one of the seaweeds consumed during the Irish Potato Famine in the 1800s.