Gold Irish Sea Moss vs Purple-Gold Irish Sea Moss – What’s the difference? Is one better than the other?
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Firstly, Purple-Gold Irish Sea Moss is the exact SAME species as Gold Sea Moss! The only difference is how they are treated after harvesting which influences the color and nutrients to a lesser extent.
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In its natural state in the sea, the thick Irish sea moss has a deep burgundy/purple color. To make it Gold, the fresh harvest is soaked in freshwater, then dried under full sun. The action of soaking and sun-drying takes away the purple-red pigment along with some iodine, leaving a golden color. This method of processing also takes away much of the salt contained in the sea moss and reduces the “sea taste” making it more neutral and mild flavored.
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Purple-Gold Irish Sea Moss, on the other hand, is minimally processed so it is closer to its natural state. After harvesting it is dried immediately in the sun or sometimes lightly washed to remove excess salt/sediment. But it is never SOAKED extensively in freshwater. This allows it to keep more of its pigment and more iodine. This form also contains more sodium naturally and also has a slightly stronger flavor. This can be easily reduced by washing very well before using it. In fact, if you soak your purple gold Irish moss in freshwater under sunlight, you will see it turn to gold!
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Is one better than the other? In my opinion, the Purple-Gold has a slight advantage being that it closer to its natural state. But many also prefer the gold as it is easier to mask in recipes. But they are both rich in the same minerals!
How to prepare Irish Moss
You’ll usually find dried Irish Moss in Caribbean markets. It might not look appealing and smells a bit (okay, a lot!) as the sea. Never fear, it will all work out.
Take a small amount (1 – 2 oz) out of the package and give it a good rinse to get the salt off.
Put it into a large bowl filled with cool water. It doesn’t look like a lot but this stuff really expands so make sure to use a large bowl filled with water.
Cover and leave for 15 minutes-overnight to rehydrate. Ta-da – it’s a bowlful of Irish Moss!
Give it another good rinse, making sure to get rid of any salt and sand that may have settled on the bottom of the bowl.
Put the moss into a blender with a bit of water and blend. It takes a bit of time to break down and the amount of water used depends on how thick you want the end product. Add more water as needed to get to the desired consistency. Keep in mind that it thickens up a bit as it sits.
What is Wild Crafted Sea Moss?
There are multiple ways Sea Moss is harvested. The most common is farmed. This is where farmers strategically create plots in the sea and sustainably grow sea moss on lines. You can compare this method to a local farmer and the way they grow and harvest crops on a farm. The sea moss goes through the natural process of receiving its natural mineral benefits from the sun and sea. Sea moss farming does not only produce for the masses, but it also helps strengthen the economy of many small Caribbean countries and their ecosystem.
The most sought after method is truly “wildcrafted.” Experienced divers are usually able to gather sea moss right off the coastline. With today’s increased awareness of sea moss, the demand has skyrocketed. They now may have to dive quickly to the bottom of the sea, fill their bags with the moss, and return to the surface. After retrieval it is then spread out to dry in the sun, followed by a cleaning with fresh water, lastly, the moss is put back into the sun for another two to three days of drying. This is how you get the amazing dry versions of sea moss.
What is Fake Sea Moss?
What most identify as fake sea moss, is usually moss that has been grown in pools/tanks or in bodies of water that have machinery that mimics the natural movement of the sea. When looking at the appearance, you may find that there is a large amount of table salt on the moss, as well as the lack of variation in its appearance, it takes on more of a perfect look. When sea moss isn’t fully dried as it should, salt is added to absorb moisture. This is an improper practice and should be avoided.
Why Nature Heals Us Sea Moss Market?
We take great pride in offering a variety of Wild Sea Moss from the beautiful clear waters of the Caribbean. With countless species of red algae, we are continuously seeking out variations for our beloved customers. We commit to consistently explore and deliver superior sea moss.
We believe that sea moss is one of the greatest gifts God could have given us. Helping others has been a blessing to naturally achieving optimum health and wellness
