Wash sea moss very well under tap water (massage and drain multiple times, getting as much salt off as possible).
In a glass bowl or container with a lid (no metal), cover moss with spring or alkaline water and soak for 24 hours. The sea moss will begin to absorb the water and expand, so use enough water to keep all the moss submerged while soaking. Moss can be left at room temperature or in the refrigerator to soak.
Optional: Squeeze half to one whole juice of lime plus peels into the water. This step helps to neutralize the ocean taste of the sea moss.
After 24 hours, drain and rinse/massage sea moss again. Carefully clean off all ocean debris (rock, coral, etc) with knife or scissors. It’s easier to cut off this debris once the moss has been soaking and has softened.
Optional: Repeat steps 2 and 3 and soak for up to another 12-24 hours. The softer (more rehydrated) the sea moss is, the easier it will blend into a smooth jelly.
In a high speed blender, combine rehydrated sea moss and 1/4 or 1/2 cup of soaking water (or fresh spring/alkaline water if soaking water is salty or unpleasant flavored) and blend until smooth. It is normal to have water left over from soaking. You can use this water for anything, as it will have some nutrients in it — making tea, adding to smoothies, making rice, etc. it is also okay to dump it.
Tip: Give your blender a break every few minutes, if needed.
Tip: Add water a little at a time until desired texture is achieved. You want a thick and smooth consistency. Adding more water will yield a thinner texture that may not solidify once refrigerated. Less water will yield a thicker, more firm texture once solidified.
Note: It is normal for the moss to become warm or even hot during high speed blending.
Once a smooth consistency is achieved (after about 5-10mins of blending), transfer gel into glass container with an airtight lid and keep refrigerated.
If making flavored sea moss: After desired consistency is reached, add to the blender desired fruit (up to half a cup), super foods, and sweeteners to taste after step 7 and blend until smooth. This will increase the yield so you might need two containers to store.
**1oz of dried sea moss should yield about one 16oz jar of unflavored jelly, or more
Consuming your Fresh Sea Moss Gel
Take 2 TBSP of gel per day in your tea, smoothies, green juices, granola, yogurt, on top of fruit, etc. or straight out of the jar.
Be careful not to contaminate the gel! Use a clean spoon every time. NO DOUBLE DIPPING.
Consume within 14 days. Unflavored gel can last longer (3-4 weeks), if careful effort is taken not to contaminate and it is kept well refrigerated (try top shelf of the fridge).
