Irish Moss vs Sea Moss

Genus Gracilaria (Sea Moss)

Incorrect botanical name
This is the most widely recognised version of Sea Moss. However, it is often innocently confused with “Irish Moss”, when in fact it does not grow anywhere near Ireland.
We say “innocently” because we do not believe that companies deliberately call it “Irish Moss” to avoid deception. In our opinion, it is simply a minor technical error and a misunderstanding of the botanical name for each species. We know of very reputable companies who call it Irish Moss when in fact it is the Genus Gracilaria, but again it is just an honest mistake. That is why there is so much confusion and people misname this species: Chondrus Crispus or Irish Moss. It is an innocent mistake, as we have pointed out before, there are literally thousands of species of Sea Moss and it is very easy to misname them.

Where does the Genus Gracilaria grow?

The Genus Gracilaria grows in warmer waters, the most popular being Jamaica and St. Lucia.

How does it grow?

Genus Gracilaria can grow either on rocks or on ropes. It is usually grown on ropes when in the ocean or pool.

How does Genus Gracilaria look like?

Genus Gracilaria looks like a fingered relatively thin thread. The colour is usually yellow-gold, but this can vary.

Disadvantages of Genus Gracilaria Sea Moss

Because it is so readily available, some companies sell what is known as “Pool Grown Sea Moss”. Pool-grown Sea Moss is not ideal, as it grows hastily, and contains hardly any vitamins and minerals just like non-organically grown products.

Pool farmed vs Ocean farmed

Just because something is farmed does not mean it is harmful or devoid of nutrients. Pool-grown Sea Moss is different from Ocean-grown Sea Moss.
Pool-grown Sea Moss grows on ropes in unnatural water and will be devoid of
nutrients.

Ocean-Farmed Sea Moss also grows on ropes, but it grows in the natural sea and is not tampered with until harvest. It can still retain a lot of nutrients. (Not as much as wild-grown, but much more than pool-grown Sea Moss).

Chondrus Crispus (Irish Moss)

This is what we like to call, “the Rolls Royce of Sea Moss.” Please don’t take that literally. We only call it that because this is the Sea Moss that Dr. Sebi is talking about when he talks about the “scientific background; Chondrus Crispus aka Irish Moss or Irish Sea Moss.

Why is it called Irish Moss?

It is called Irish Moss for the following reasons, mainly because it was one of the seaweeds consumed during the Irish Potato Famine in the 1800s. (Read Eat Your Seaweed from the Irish Times). It also grows on the coast of Ireland.

Isn’t it amazing that a food that was once consumed only because of famine and was considered a “survival food” is now seen as a superfood powerhouse? Amazing isn’t it.

So you see, nature (not supermarkets) has the best food in abundance for us even if we don’t have money. We just have to know what we’re looking at. Okay enough with our “Ted Talk”, let’s move on.

Where does Chondrus Crispus grow?

As mentioned above, it grows around the coast of Ireland, but also Britain, Maine, Canada, and other places where there is cooler water.

How does it grow?

As far as we know, Irish Moss only grows on rocks. It cannot grow on ropes, so it is not cultivated and supply may be limited.
It attaches itself to a rock, and from that rock it gets its nutrients.

Both species grow on rocks, but the Genus Gracilaria can also grow on ropes. Chondrus Crispus only grows on rocks (as far as we know).

How does Chondrus Crispus look like?

Chondrus Crispus has flat fan-shaped tops that look like leaves or flowers to us. The colour is usually dark purple, but this can vary. As you can see, you can have a variety of light purple and even green “leaves” in one. Again, nature varies.

Advantage(s) of Chondrus Crispus Irish Moss

Irish Moss has its advantages in rarity (ironically the opposite advantage of Genus Gracilaria). As it is not available all year round (it is only harvested in summer) and only grows on rocks, (the Genus Gracilara can be grown on ropes), it is not duplicated. So from today, there is no worry about getting “fake” or “pool grown” Chondrus Crispus.

That is why we choose Irish Moss in powder form

Irish Moss comes from the wild organic seaweed from Ireland. The seaweed comes from the pristine, nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ireland.
Our partner has maintained a harvesting technique that has been used by hand for four generations and has built innovative state-of-the-art drying and processing facilities, ensuring that the seaweed remains of the highest quality to this day.

Irish Moss vs Sea Moss

Genus Gracilaria (Sea Moss)

Where does the Genus Gracilaria grow?

Chondrus Crispus (Irish Moss)

Where does Chondrus Crispus grow?

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