Irish sea moss is a wonderfully versatile thickener once you know the basic steps. Start by rinsing the dried moss well to remove any surface salt or sand, then soak it in cool water for several hours (or overnight) until it softens and expands. Once soft, blend the moss with a bit of fresh water until smooth and gel-like — this gel is your base for everything else.
- For smoothies: blend a spoonful of the gel right into your usual fruit and liquid mix for a silky, thickened texture.
- For desserts: whisk the gel into puddings, custards, or dairy-free mousses as a natural thickener in place of gelatin.
- For broths: stir a small amount of the gel into simmering broth near the end of cooking to add body without altering the flavor much.
Our Natural Grown Irish Sea Moss is a great one to start with. If you enjoy working with sea vegetables, our Wild Digitata Kelp - Smithereen Farm (kombu) is another wonderful choice for building flavorful, mineral-rich broths.