How is Sea Moss Grown, Harvested and Processed? What You Need to Know

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In the past few years, the popularity of sea moss has soared. This health craze is currently trending on social media with no sign of things slowing down, but what exactly is it?

How is it grown, harvested, and made edible for use?

Sea moss (Chondrus crispus) is a type of spiny sea plant related to algae or seaweed that is often found growing in inlets and tidepools. It sometimes goes by the names “Irish moss” or “red seaweed.” It is usually harvested along the rocky coasts between North America and Europe.

This edible sea plant comes in a variety of colors including red, brown, yellow, green, black, and purple.

This article will discuss what you need to know about sea moss, including how it is grown, harvested, and made commercially available for use.

How is Sea moss grown?

Sea moss is either grown or wildcrafted.

Wildcrafting a plant means it is collected from its natural habitat in the wild, whereas growing sea moss is controlled in the open ocean or a pool.

When someone wildcrafts sea moss, they are collecting it from the tropical waters in which it grows naturally.

Wildcrafted sea moss is thought to be the most nutrient-dense. Since sea moss grows easily and is often found in large quantities, many people collect it this way. However, there are concerns that wildcrafting sea moss may threaten this plant, especially with its rise in popularity.

Sea moss is also grown using sustainable farming practices. Those who farm sea moss can choose to farm it in pools or use controlled farming practices and grow it in the ocean.

It is much easier to grow sea moss in its natural habitat, but some farmers try to replicate the ocean in a pool and grow sea moss this way.

Although pool-grown sea moss generally creates a more gelatinous sea moss, it does not have the nutrient content of sea moss grown in the ocean.

Some people refer to sea moss grown in pools as “fake sea moss.” Pool grown sea moss can be easily identified by its lighter, washed-out color. Ocean grown sea moss tends to have a more vibrant, deep color.

If you’re not sure on how to spot fake or pool-grown sea moss, see our post on how to easily identify real wildcrafted from pool grown.

Related:

Real Vs Fake Sea Moss: 14 Ways to Tell Your Sea Moss is fake

Wildcrafted Vs Farmed Vs Pool Grown – What’s the difference?

Pool Grown:

Farmers who grow sea moss in pools replicate the movement of the ocean and the lighting to try and get it as similar to the ocean as possible.

However, since sea moss obtains its nutrients from the open ocean water, it is very hard to get this type of sea moss to have the same nutrient content as sea moss grown in the ocean or wildcrafted.

The infographic below highlights how sea moss is grown and harvested.

Ocean farmed:

Farmers who grow sea moss in the ocean do so by setting up areas in the ocean where the sea moss can grow undisturbed until it is ready to be harvested, which is usually once a month.

Open ocean sea moss farming not only protects the ecosystem of the ocean by replenishing the sea moss that has been over-wildcrafted, it also protects the divers who only have to dive once a month instead of daily (if collecting wild sea moss).

Wildcrafted:

Sea moss which grows wildly in the ocean and is collected by harvesters is said to be wildcrafted.

When someone wildcrafts sea moss, they are collecting it from the tropical waters in which it grows naturally.

Wildcrafted sea moss is thought to be the most nutrient-dense. Since sea moss grows easily and is often found in large quantities, many people collect it this way.

However, there are concerns that wildcrafting sea moss may threaten this plant, especially with its rise in popularity.

If you are concerned about the quality or type of sea moss you buy and not sure if it’s wildcrafted or farmed, it’s best to make sure you get clarity from your supplier.

Oftentimes, many dubious suppliers do not specify these on their packaging or website, so it’s best you ask and find out.

But the most important thing is that you should get sea moss that has grown naturally in its habitat be it wildcrafted or ocean farmed.

But it’s best to avoid the pool-grown type in its entirety.

One way to avoid purchasing pool-grown sea moss is to make sure the company you buy from specifies that their sea moss is the Chondrus crispus and is grown in the ocean.

The bottom line is that when shopping for sea moss, look for sea moss that has been collected from the open ocean, whether wildcrafted or ocean farmed.

Sea moss grown in the ocean will have no chemicals added and more nutrients than pool-grown sea mosses.

Related:

Different Types of Sea Moss: Gold vs Purple vs Green Seamoss

How is Sea moss Harvested?

Those who wildcraft sea moss harvest it at low tide when it is easiest to grab hanging from rocks or floating in the low tide pools and inlets, whereas growers (ocean farmers) often dive down monthly to collect their harvest.

Finding the right time to harvest sea moss this way involves some planning.

Tides change depending on the time of year and moon phase, so these things are carefully taken into consideration when planning a time to go collect sea moss.

A tidal chart is often used for this purpose.

When harvesting sea moss in the wild, collectors use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the sea moss up (if needed) or cut it from rocks it might be stuck to.

They also use large bags to collect what they find.

Oftentimes, those who wildcraft sea mosses need good waterproof boots to wade out into tide pools and collect their treasure.

Those who farm sea moss may require divers to go down and get the sea moss growing near the bottom of the ocean floor.

Divers who collect sea moss on farms usually only have to go out once or twice a month and collect large amounts (often hanging from ropes that are strung up underwater).

Once the sea moss is harvested, it is then processed in various ways to make a large variety of products for beauty and health.

Read More:

Sea Moss Nutrient Profile: What Does It Actually Contain?

How is Sea moss Processed?

Sea moss is processed to create several types of products for both internal and topical use. These products include:

Powder
Capsules
Extracts, and
Gels

These are used in smoothies, drinks, and different meals. It is also made into gel to use in beauty products.

Sea moss is the world’s only natural source of carrageenan. Carrageenan is a gelatinous carbohydrate that comes from sea moss and is used to stabilize beauty products and various foods.

This additive also serves to thicken, emulsify and even preserve countless products. It is a vegan alternative to gelatin and can be used the same way.

Carrageenan also boasts medicinal properties so it is used for its laxative properties, as well as its ability to decrease inflammation.

Its gelatinous consistency is said to bring relief to the throat and helpful for coughs, sore throats, and colds.

Although there have been side effects noted when consuming sea moss, its benefits far outweigh its risks

Sea Moss Capsules

Those who wish to take sea moss internally have several choices, depending on their specific needs. Sea moss capsules are made by drying sea moss and grinding it down into a powder.

Capsules are then filled with this powder and taken by mouth several times daily (depending on the brand).

Sea Moss Powder

Sea moss powder is made in much the same fashion but not placed into capsules. The powder is used in cooking and smoothies.

Because sea moss is so nutrient-dense, it makes a great addition to foods and drinks for wellness.

Sea Moss Extracts

Extracts made with sea moss are often made by infusing the sea moss into a liquid solvent like alcohol or vegetable glycerin for a period of time so that the liquid absorbs the nutrients and medicinal compounds from the sea moss.

Liquid extracts are usually taken under the tongue several times a day.

Sea moss extract can also be found in capsule form for those who do not like the taste of the liquid extracts.