Eating Sea Moss Raw: Fresh or Dried, But Do it Right!

 
Hey there! Are you intrigued by raw sea moss? You're not alone! While sea moss is better known in its gel or capsule form for an easy and convenient consumption, it can also be eaten raw. Let’s see if it’s the way to go for you, weighing pros and cons of eating raw sea moss and learning how to prepare it right.
 
Related article: 18 Benefits of Sea Moss for Your Health & Wellness.

What is Raw Sea Moss?

Alright, let's start at the beginning. Sea moss, or as the scientists call it, Chondrus crispus, is a type of edible red algae. You'll typically find it clinging to the rugged coasts of the Atlantic and Caribbean. But... this isn't just any seaweed; it's a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
 
Traditionally, it's been a staple in places like Ireland and Jamaica, not just for its numerous and powerful health benefits but also for its versatility in cooking and as a natural remedy for various ailments. Today, it’s in literally every health store.
 
Related article: The Complete List of Minerals & Vitamins in Sea Moss.

Different ways to consume sea moss

Sea moss is quite a chameleon, and you can enjoy it in so many forms. There's the popular sea moss gel of course, easily eaten pure or added to smoothies, teas, and even desserts or any kind of meals really, for a nutrient boost without altering the taste too much.
 
Then there are sea moss pills and powders, or even sea moss gummies – convenient for those on the go.
 
But, if you're into it, raw sea moss can be your way to go. Let’s weight some pros and cons before you jump in.
 
Related article: Sea Moss Gel Vs. Capsules & Powder: Which is Better?

Can You Eat Sea Moss Raw?

So, here's the big question: Can you just pluck sea moss from the sea and eat it as is? Technically, yes. But it's not as simple as that. Eating sea moss raw means you're getting it in its most natural, unprocessed form. For many, this is the preferred way to enjoy all the natural benefits it has to offer. For others, it can be difficult...

Raw fresh sea moss benefits

Let's be positive and start by breaking down why raw sea moss can be such a hit:

• A nutrient powerhouse. When you consume sea moss raw, you're getting all its nutrients without any loss from prep or cooking. This includes iodine, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, E, and K, to name a few. 

• Digestive health. Raw sea moss is rich in fiber, which is great for your digestive system. It acts as a mild laxative and can soothe inflamed tissues in the digestive tract.

• Natural and unprocessed. There's always something even more satisfying about consuming a food in its most natural state. With raw sea moss, you're getting a product that's free from any processing or additives.

Related article: What Does Sea Moss Taste Like and How to Make it Taste Better?

Raw fresh sea moss cons

However, raw sea moss isn't perfect for everyone, and here’s what you may not like about it: 

• Taste and texture. Let's face it, raw sea moss isn't winning any awards for its flavor or texture. It's a bit of a strong ocean or oyster-like taste that doesn’t please everyone. Besides, it can be quite chewy or gritty.

• Preparation time. To safely consume raw sea moss, you need to invest time in cleaning and preparing it properly, which can be a bit of a hassle for some.

• Potential contaminants. Harvested directly from the sea, raw sea moss may contain salt, sand, contaminants, and other oceanic elements that you should thoroughly wash. 

Related article: Eco-Conscious Sea Moss: How to Choose Sustainable Products?

Dried sea moss: your best bet!

Ok, if you really want to eat raw sea moss, there’s a great way to do it, and it’s dried sea moss, which stands out as a somewhat more convenient and versatile option that fresh sea moss.
 
First, unlike its fresh counterpart, dried sea moss is widely available in health stores, so you won’t have to go and fish it yourself by the sea. Besides, it can be stored for extended periods without spoiling. And most importantly, dried sea moss undergoes a natural preservation process, where it retains most of its nutritional value, making it just as beneficial as fresh sea moss. Its concentrated form means you'll use less of it in your recipes, yet still reap all its healthful rewards.
 
For many, the ease of storing and prepping dried sea moss makes it a better option than fresh sea moss. But let’s get into that now.
 

Raw Sea Moss, Dehydrated, by Organics Nature

How to Prepare Raw Sea Moss

If you’ve decided to give it a try, you definitely should learn how to prepare your raw sea moss. And prepping raw sea moss is an art in itself.

Prepping dried sea moss

Let’s assume you’re going to use dehydrated raw sea moss. The key is to ensure it's well-cleaned and properly soaked to make the most of its unique texture and health benefits.
 
Start by thoroughly washing it to remove any sand or debris. Then, it's time for a good soak – usually overnight or at least for a few hours – in fresh water, which helps it expand and soften. Some folks like to add a squeeze of lime or lemon during the soaking for extra flavor. After soaking, you can rinse it once more, and voila! Your raw sea moss is ready to be used. You can chop it up for salads, blend it into your smoothies, or even use it to make your own sea moss gel.
 
Alternatively, you can use raw dehydrated sea moss to sprinkle as a salad topping for example. It can give some nice crunchy texture to your meals!
 
Related article: 4 Easy Ways to Make Your Own Sea Moss Gel at Home!

Prepping fresh raw sea moss

Preparing fresh raw sea moss is a bit different. Since fresh sea moss is already hydrated, the focus is more on cleaning and ensuring it's safe and pleasant to consume. Here's how you can do it:

• Inspect and rinse: Start by inspecting your fresh sea moss. It might still have some sea debris, sand, or salt attached to it. Gently rinse it under cold, running water to remove these elements. It's important to handle it delicately to maintain its natural structure.

• Soak if needed. While fresh sea moss doesn’t require the long soaking times needed for dried sea moss, a brief soak might still be beneficial, especially if it has a strong ocean taste. Soaking for 15-30 minutes in fresh water can help reduce this intensity. You can add a squeeze of lemon or lime to the water for a bit of freshness.

• Additional cleaning. After the initial rinse (and soak if you chose to do so), check for any remaining debris or sand. If you find any, gently rinse again until it's clean. Be thorough but gentle to avoid breaking the moss apart.

• Final rinse and drain. Give the sea moss a final rinse under cold water. Then, let it drain in a colander or on a clean cloth.

• Cutting and storing. If the sea moss is particularly large or long, you might want to cut it into smaller, more manageable pieces. Store the cleaned and prepared sea moss in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for a few days.