When choosing a refreshing summer drink other than water, most people tend to opt for smoothies, cold brews or milkshakes. Yet in the Caribbean, sea moss punch is what it’s all about and the drink, along with other uses for the plant, is now trending on social media.
Seaweed might well be one of our planet’s most underestimated resources. Little by little, researchers are discovering the many ways in which it can be used and results are promising. But indigenous Kalinago and Arawaks have been preparing sea moss, also known as Irish moss or red seaweed, for centuries. Not because of its taste, which isn’t very pleasant, but because of its many benefits.
“Sea moss is a good source of vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B9, C, D, E, and K,” Dr Emily Burch, an accredited practising dietitian and nutritionist, told The Australian. “It also contains essential minerals, including calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. Additionally, sea moss provides dietary fibres, small amounts of protein, essential amino acids and polyphenols. Like anything, the levels of these nutrients and their bioavailability will vary depending on the circumstances in which it was grown and the storage, handling and processing of the product.”
Even if you’ve never heard about the specific kind of seaweed, chances are you’ve already consumed some in the past. Because of its benefits and thickening characteristics, you can find it in everything from skin creams to chocolate milk.
In the Caribbean, however, sea moss is specifically used in a drink called sea moss punch. Only a handful of species of the moss, including Gelidium serrulatum, Gracilaria and Eucheuma, are being used to this end. Originally, every family had their own recipe (using sea moss, water, milk and a combination of spices) and made the drink at home but now, sea moss punch is increasingly being commercialised and marketed as a super food.
One of the companies selling sea moss-based drinks abroad is Dr Smood, who paired up with actor Michael B. Jordan for the occasion. Together, they created a brand called MOSS.
“The endless waters of the ocean, the primary source of refreshment, are full of pure potential that revitalises both our body and mind. By harnessing the power of sea moss and blending it with organic juices, botanical extracts and herbs, MOSS delivers refreshment straight from the sea in a new, ready-to-drink form,” MOSS says.
If you want to taste sea moss punch or any derivative for yourself, you better do so while you can. Native sea moss stocks are declining due to climate change and it remains to be seen whether or not the crop will be saved.
