Chondrus Crispus (Whole Leaf)
Chondrus crispus—commonly called Irish moss or carrageen moss (Irish carraigín, "little rock")—is a species of red algae which grows abundantly along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coast of Europe and North America. In its fresh condition this protist is soft and cartilaginous, varying in color from a greenish-yellow, through red, to a dark purple or purplish-brown. The principal constituent is a mucilaginous body, made of the polysaccharide carrageenan, which constitutes 55% of its dry weight. The organism also consists of nearly 10% dry weight protein and about 15% dry weight mineral matter, and is rich in iodine and sulfur. When softened in water it has a sea-like odour and because of the abundant cell wall polysaccharides it will form a jelly when boiled, containing from 20 to 100 times its weight of water. Chondrus crispus is a relatively small sea alga, reaching up to a little more than 20 cm in length. It grows from a discoid holdfast and branches four or five times in a dichotomous, fan-like manner. The morphology is highly variable, especially the broadness of the thalli. The branches are 2–15 mm broad and firm in texture, and the color ranges from bright green towards the surface of the water, to deep red at greater depths. The gametophytes (see below) often show a blue iridescence at the tip of the fronds and fertile sporophytes show a spotty pattern. Mastocarpus stellatus (Stackhouse) Guiry is a similar species which can be readily distinguished by its strongly channelled and often somewhat twisted thalli.
Description
Irish Moss (Chondrus Crispus)
With delicate fronds and a deep pink colour, Irish Moss has a long history in Western cuisine. It is a good gelling agent suited to desserts and savoury dishes alike. It is traditionally used in the treatment of colds. It is harvested by hand where it is cut just above the root to ensure the re-growth of the algae.Commonly found in the lower shore – sometimes under the large brown seaweeds or in rock pools.
Other Names: Carragheen, Carraigin, Mastocarpus stellatus.
Type: Red Algae
Taste: Slightly sweet with an intense shellfish flavour.
Texture: Has a pleasant bite to it when gently boiled. Smooth, light texture in sauces and jellies.PREPARATION:
To rehydrate: Soak in cold water for up to 5mins with a little salt
Salted: Wash salt off thoroughly before use
Fresh: Rinse thoroughly before use
Gel: Simmer in milk or water for around 10-20 mins, strain before use.COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
For best results, simmer for around 10 mins before eating (no longer than 30 mins) .For a stiff gel it is possible to simmer for a little longer.
Goes well with: Fish and seafood, milk, citrus, vinegar, ginger, honey, foie gra.
Boil/Steam in pasta sauces, with rice/risotto, accompaniment to fish, added to fish pies, stews, patties and croquettes.
Bake use as a bed for baked fish and chowders.
Cold Pickled, added to salads.
Thickener Sauces and soups.
Gel ice cream, jelly, mousse and blancmange.NUTRITIONAL VALUE:
High in: Protein, Fibre, Iodine, Calcium, Carrageenan, Antioxidants
Contains: Magnesium, Copper, Sulphur
Vitamins: A