The Caribbean Summer Relief: Seamoss Drink

It’s summertime in the Caribbean! The Earth is tilted towards the sun causing hotter days and nights in a period known as summer. The Caribbean is no exception to this natural event, though the region is known for its sunny and calm weather almost all year round. Being near the Equator (closest area to the sun), the summers can be hotter for Caribbean islanders already use to the regular Caribbean heat that travelers love. On a typical summer day, locals can be observed bustling to commute quickly to get out of the prickling rays of Sun. By noon and 1 PM, most persons are indoors, sheltering from the sun. The best way and the most satisfying way locals use to cool off this heat would be a delicious and healthy sea moss drink. 

Sea moss drinks are sold by most cooler street vendors in cities, towns, and on roadsides. In some Caribbean islands, sea moss smooth drinks are sold in the cold drink section at the supermarkets. 

But what is this sea moss drink and why is it the Caribbean Summer drink of choice?

According to Britrannica.com Sea moss drink is “… a Caribbean beverage made from dried sea moss (a type of seaweed), milk, and various sweeteners. In most recipes, the sea moss is soaked in lime juice overnight and then boiled in water, often with a cinnamon stick, until becoming jellylike.”

The type of sea moss (Irish moss) used is also known as Chondrus Crispus. It is a red algae that grows along the Atlantic shorelines of the Caribbean Islands, North America, Europe. The drink is believed to be purportedly introduced to the islands’ coasts by Irish immigrant laborers.

Irish moss in many varieties is farmed on the coasts of many Caribbean islands. The moss is washed then left in the sun to dry. It is packaged and sold locally and internationally. 

A cold sea moss drink on a hot summer day is one of the most delectable and satisfying things you’ll ever experience. But Caribbean islanders also love this filling drink for its plethora of health benefits. It is considered a “power drink” because sea moss is high in amino acids, vitamin b, c & a, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals. It contains 92 of the 102 minerals such as manganese, calcium, zinc, iodine, and iron. All of which contribute to healthy cell function and immune system. Sea moss promotes natural weight loss by stimulating your metabolism and with 6 grams of protein per serving it helps the body build muscle. 

Because of its thick texture, sea moss aids in soothing mucus membranes and helps reduce any excess mucus. This makes the algae great for reducing congestion and clearing out phlegm buildup in the lungs brought on by possibly a cold. Sea Moss is also a prebiotic and helps to get rid of bad bacteria in the gut, which further increases digestive health. 

The sea moss drink is prepared by blending the sea moss jelly with any type of milk (dairy or nut) and flavorings such as nutmeg, cinnamon, peanut butter, fruits, and vanilla. It can be sweetened with honey, stevia, or brown sugar. Sea moss drinks are popular throughout the islands of the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Trinidad with the most preferred flavors of peanut butter and coconut. Sea moss drinks can be easily customized so they can be made vegan and gluten-free. The sea moss jelly can be made beforehand and stored in the refrigerator. You can quickly add some jelly to your breakfast smoothie for an added boost of energy to your diet. 

Jirie Caribbean is here to share a simple and vegan sea moss gel recipe that will be the nutritious foundation of any smoothie, juice, or pudding of your choice!!