Neither a Moss Nor a Plant: Irish Sea Moss — A Botanical History
Irish sea moss or Chrondus crispus, also known as carrageen or carraigín is an algae from the kingdom of protists. While it is not a moss, or considered a plant, it has been used as an additive in a variety of plant based foods and medicines for centuries. Irish sea moss’ place in the kingdom of protists was largely unknown in the Victorian era, and it was still classified as a plant during this period of history.
The Irish name for the algae, carraigín meaning “little rock” pointing to its habitat of rocky coastlines bordering the Atlantic ocean. Irish sea moss can reach up to over 8 inches in length, and depending on sun exposure, it varies in color from deep reddish purple to shades of green, pale yellow or black. Its fronds branch into equal parts as the algae grows, giving it a frilly appearance, the reason why it is named after moss, although there is no relation between true mosses and algaes. Beneath the water, the tips of the fronds can take on an iridescent blue sheen. When dried in the sun, it takes on a translucent yellowish white appearance.
Irish sea moss was used as a survival food during the Irish potato famine and is heavily…
