Well, of course – it won’t cure you, but they swear by it in Connemara. Carrageen moss remedy is reputed to ward off cold and flu symptoms. It’s an excellent tonic to soothe a sore throat or chesty feeling and is completely natural!
Harvested in the spring, Carrageen or sea/ Irish moss is dried and saved for the winter. The food industry also uses the moss as a natural gelling or thickening agent – think ice cream or for fining beer. It is also a thickener in calico printing or paper marbling and has been in use as a natural gelatin since the 15th century.
The drink is actually delicious and very restorative. As you can see, my version has lots of turmeric, but you can dial this down to your taste. The recipe combines clove, lemon, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, honey and the all-important carrageen seaweed. This recipe for Carrageen moss remedy was adapted from the Connemara Organic Seaweed Company.
Instructions below: make 600ml, which will last in the fridge (in a sealed container) for up to 5 days. To serve, gently reheat and pour the warm mixture over a spoonful of honey in a cup or mug. Honey should not be boiled or overly heated as it loses its nutritional value. Hence, it’s better to add the honey later – avoid warming the drink with honey already added. Finish with a little grated nutmeg. If, after trying it, you prefer it a little thicker – double the quantity of moss.
Carrageen moss grows in the North Atlantic intertidal zone – mainly on the Irish and Scottish West Coast. It is readily available online or from organic specialist grocers. So, if January is making you feel a little blue and under the weather – maybe give it a go.
Carrageen Moss Remedy
Ingredients
- 10 g Connemara Organic Carrageen Moss Add up to 20g for a thicker drink
- 600 ml water
- 4 cloves
- 1 lemon preferbaly organic – juice and zest
- 3 cms grated ginger
- 3 cms cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1-2 tsp Organic Greek honey ideally honey local to you
- 1 pinch grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Soak the seaweed in warm water for 20 minutes
- Add to a heavy based saucepan and top up to 600ml in total.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cool and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To serve, gently re-heat and pour over the honey to you liking. Honey should not be boiled or overly heated as it looses it nutritional value. Hence its better to pour the hot drink over a spoonful of honey. Finish with a little grated nutmeg.
- Enjoy with gentle Irish folk music – Christy Moore is great!
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