People across the world have been heralding the health benefits of sea moss for many years – but there’s been an uptick in the “superfood’s” popularity recently. Specifically, health gurus are turning to sea moss gels, incorporating them in everything from yogurts to baked goods.
Although sea moss can be consumed in capsule and powder forms (or raw), gels are the most popular form for many reasons. Irish sea moss gel is easy to use in regular baking and cooking and nearly tasteless when blended with other ingredients.
If you’ve jumped on the bandwagon, you’ve probably voiced a common question: how long does sea moss gel last? You want to know how long you can trust that gel you’re storing in your fridge or freezer.
In this Freshly Rooted Tribe blog post, we’re diving into the shelf life of sea moss gels – and how you can preserve it to get the best bang for your buck.
But First – What Exactly Is Sea Moss Gel?
Before we explore the ways to store and use your sea moss properly, let us tell you a little bit about this nutritious ingredient’s history.
Sea moss (Chondrus crispus), also referred to as Irish moss or purple sea moss, is a kind of red algae typically harvested from the rocky coasts of the Atlantic Ocean. It is consumed by many cultures for its benefits as a health supplement.
Some historians claim that there’s evidence of sea moss usage dating back to 14,000 years ago. It appears some people in China were consuming sea moss as early as 600 BC. It became especially well-known in the 19th century when the Irish used it to treat human colds and supplement diets during the Potato Famine.
Because it contains 92 of the 102 essential minerals in the human body, many consider sea moss gel to be a powerful superfood. It’s been known to promote stronger immune systems, smooth skin, improve thyroid functions, boost red blood cell production, and much, much more.
Some Of The Key Nutrients In Sea Moss Include:
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B
- Iodine
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Copper
For a complete list of the 102 minerals that make up the human body and those included in organic sea moss, check out this blog post. Each of these minerals/vitamins serves a powerful function within the human body, making Irish sea moss a truly impressive food.
Irish moss can be used topically, but it is most commonly ingested to reap the highest rewards. Many cultures, including those in the Caribbean, have been turning the moss into a gel for centuries.
How Real Sea Moss Gel Is Made
Sea moss gel is all-natural and fairly simple to create by blending the moss with water. Some gels are more watered down than others, depending on the preferred potency and consistency.
However, a worthwhile sea moss gel producer doesn’t use just any water to create their product. High-quality sea moss gel should be cleaned, soaked, and blended with alkaline or fresh spring water.
Well-crafted sea moss gel should also be soaked for 36 to 48 hours – no more, no less. Letting the moss soak for too long can deteriorate its quality and cause it to spoil quickly.
Finding High-Quality Sea Moss Gel
We’re going to talk about how long sea moss gel typically lasts, but first, it’s important to understand that high-quality sea moss gel lasts longer (and is more beneficial) than poorly crafted sea moss gel.
So, how do you find good sea moss gel?
- Learn where they source their sea moss.
- Ask for proof of authenticity.
- Consider the water they use to create their gels.
- Don’t sacrifice quality for a longer shelf-life.
Suppose you order your sea moss gel from a random Amazon seller who trusted sources haven’t vetted. In that case, you could wind up with a product that deteriorates quickly or that even leads to unwanted side effects after consumption.
Always, always do your research when purchasing fresh sea moss gel. This is the best way to ensure you’re buying a safe, all-natural product.
Red Flags In “Long-Lasting” Sea Moss Gel
Everyone will claim to create all-natural, nutrient-boosting sea moss – but you should avoid buying sea moss gel that has:
- Been bleached with chemicals rather than natural sunlight
- Too much or not enough (likely artificial) coloring
- Been washed with low-quality or tainted water
Unfortunately, with the increased public interest in Irish sea moss, there’s also been a rise in the production of fake sea moss products.
Many amateur users don’t realize that pool or lab-grown sea moss doesn’t hold the same nutritional benefits as organic, sea-based moss. Also, steer clear of anything that seems a little too perfect or that has an artificial hand in its production.
Signs That Your Sea Moss Is Actually “Real”
It can be difficult to determine if any product is genuine nowadays, especially when ordering online. However, there are a few green flags that indicate you’ve found authentic, high-quality sea moss (or sea moss gel) online.
Real, naturally grown sea moss should:
- Come in varying lengths and thicknesses, not standardized sizes.
- Have a rich, salty taste sourced straight from the ocean.
- Only contain ocean water salt – not table or rock salt.
- Possibly have seaweed or other organic materials attached to it.
- Have various colors (not a fake, standardized color).
When in doubt, it’s a good idea to ask around for a respected, trusted Irish sea moss gel company.
You want to know you’re spending your money on the real deal, not some fake product that might last longer only because it’s inauthentic, man-made, and less effective.
How Long Does Sea Moss Gel Last?
Now we come to the original question – one our customers often ask us. The short answer is that real sea moss gel lasts for various amounts of time, depending on (1) how it was made and (2) what has been added to it.
Some companies brag about their gel’s long shelf life – but that’s usually because they have added chemicals to preserve the product for longer than it should last. Although this may appeal to some, we highly recommend knowing exactly what’s in your sea moss gel before consuming it.
Avoid gels that claim to use sea moss that has been grown in pools or combined with chemicals. They may last longer, but you’re better off seeking a more natural, organic alternative.
Why Does Sea Moss Gel Expire?
All sea moss gel will eventually expire – as it should. It’s a natural product made from sea matter, which means it will deteriorate over time. Unfortunately, this also means it’s somewhat difficult to predict exactly how long it takes the gel to go bad.
Typically, sea moss gels should last around one month when stored in an airtight container inside your fridge. They should never be stored in pantries or in room-temperature locations.
What Can I Do To Make Sea Moss Gel Last Longer?
Sea moss gel should always be stored in airtight containers if you want it to last longer than a couple of days. Unnecessary exposure to air can cause the moss to deteriorate quickly and even contribute to mold and bacteria growth.
Furthermore, storing these containers in the freezer can nearly triple the gel’s shelf life, preserving it for up to three months. We often advise our clients to pour the gel into an ice-cube tray, freeze it, then use the cubes to make homemade smoothies or other easy recipes.
If you choose to refrigerate your sea moss gel rather than freezing it, store the gel at the very back of the unit. This is usually the coldest place and can extend your gel’s life at least a little bit.
We also recommend touching the gel as little as possible, other than when using it. This prevents the introduction of extra germs or potential dirt – both of which can cause the gel to deteriorate faster than it would if left untouched.
All in all, you should treat your sea moss gel like you would any other perishable food. Take steps to preserve it for a normal length of time, but understand that it will eventually start to show signs of aging and then go bad.
If you are worried that your sea moss gel will deteriorate too quickly but don’t want to freeze it, consider buying it in small batches rather than large quantities.
Steps For Creating And Storing Sea Moss Gel
Many of our customers ask for specific tips on storing their sea moss gel. So here’s how we create and store our gel to keep it fresh for as long as possible. This includes adequate preparation and placement.
1) Preparing Sea Moss Gel
If you buy from Freshly Rooted Tribe, we take care of this part for you.
We soak our 100% wild-harvested sea moss in Kangen Water produced by water-ionizing machines. This hydrogen water is especially beneficial for safe food preparation and human health. In addition, some consider it to be the “fountain of youth” due to its powerful antioxidant properties.
After the sea moss is soaked, we let it drip dry naturally, then add it to a powerful blender with the soaked water. Many toss this old water after the soaking, but that’s a huge waste – the water absorbs many of the moss’s properties and should be included in the preparation process.
We then blend until the water and moss are smoothly combined, seal the gel in a 32-ounce jar and refrigerate it until it is ready for shipment.
2) Storing Sea Moss Gel
When we fill our 32-ounce jars, we leave some room for space. This gives our customers the chance to freeze their gel for longer periods, without the risk of over-expansion.
However, if you prefer, you can easily transfer the gel into an ice cube tray or smaller, separate containers for your personal use. This is a brilliant choice if you prefer to use your gel in smoothies or shakes.
Speaking of how our customers use their sea moss gel, we want to share some methods for ingesting our products for maximum health benefits.
Ways To Use Frozen Sea Moss Gel
The recommended daily dosage of sea moss gel is one or two tablespoons or four to eight ounces. However, rather than measuring this amount out every day, you could freeze measured gel “ice cubes.” That way, you can pop a cube into a smoothie without even having to worry about measuring.
You can also use frozen sea moss gel in desserts like jello, pudding, ice cream, or even chocolate shakes. Our Freshly Rooted Tribe family loves to create dairy-free, naturally sweetened ice cream with our sea moss gel as a healthy dessert option.
Ways To Use Refrigerated Sea Moss Gel
Many of our customers choose not to freeze their sea moss gel – and that’s perfectly fine. The gel may not last as long, but there are many different ways to use it when it’s in a softer, warmer form.
Here are some of our favorite ways to use refrigerated sea moss gel:
- Chia pudding
- Soups
- Fruit preserves/jams
- Smoothies
- Acai bowls
- Juices
- Oatmeal
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Cakes
In general, refrigerated Irish sea moss gel can be used as a thickening agent in many different recipes. If you have a favorite homemade dessert or sauce, consider substituting sea moss gel for cornstarch, gelatin, or other similar ingredients.
How To Tell If Your Sea Moss Has Gone Bad
After three or four weeks, refrigerated sea moss gel will begin to show signs of aging. Even frozen sea moss gel will eventually exhibit signs of deterioration, usually after four to sixth months – depending on its usage and ingredients.
The top signs that your sea moss has started to go bad:
- It has changed colors. Organic sea moss gel will originally be a light tan/gray color, similar to oatmeal or sand. However, as it ages, it may become noticeably darker – an obvious sign that it is reaching the end of its shelf life.
- The container smells bad. Sea moss gel shouldn’t have a strong odor. However, if you notice a pungent aroma when you open the container, often somewhat sour or fishy, it’s time to toss it in the trash.
- The gel is extra watery or slimy. Don’t ignore changes in the sea moss gel’s consistency. This could be a sign that the gel has started to turn.
- There’s mold on the surface layer. Obviously, if small (likely dark green) mold spots have started to appear, it’s past time to chuck the sea moss gel in the trash.
These symptoms may appear in different orders or in slight variations, but none should be ignored.
As we mentioned earlier, high-quality sea moss gel should be completely natural. This means it should contain no preservatives – which means the gel isn’t protected against bacterial decay or mold growth.
Therefore, good sea moss will eventually spoil. However, you should only be concerned if any of the symptoms mentioned above are present immediately when you open the container or within a short period after.
If you believe your sea moss gel has already spoiled upon arrival, contact the provider. You should never notice suspicious signs of aging right away.
To Wrap It All Up
In summary, sea moss gel can easily last a solid month when stored in a tightly sealed container at the back of your refrigerator. In addition, the gel can last for three to four months, more than triple its usual shelf life when frozen.
There are countless benefits of ingesting sea moss gel regularly – and many different ways to incorporate the ingredient into your regular diet. If you need ideas for using sea moss gel (frozen or refrigerated), feel free to contact us.
About Freshly Rooted Tribe Inc.
We began collecting sea moss and crafting our organic gel for one reason: to help others experience the enormous benefits of this superfood. We’d already been using sea moss gel in our own family for years, and now, our goal is to lead others to a happier, healthier lifestyle.
All of our products, from our gel to our soursop tea, are sourced directly from nature. They are not exposed to tap or plastic bottled water, so when you purchase them, you know they’re in the exact form that nature originally intended.
Our Irish sea moss gel is harvested by hand from the Atlantic Ocean and never grown in pools or laboratories. So when you purchase a jar from us, you can rest assured that it contains the highest degree and quality of sea moss. There are no added chemicals or preservatives – just Kangen Water and sea moss straight from the source.
If you have questions about our Irish moss products or how to care for your Irish sea moss gel, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Call 707-361-9372 or send us a message online today.
