Would you rather grow Jamaican seaweed or Irish seaweed? Jamaican seaweed and Irish moss are algae in high demand for their medicinal uses and range of vibrant colors.
Often mistaken for Irish moss, Jamaican sea moss has many unique features, including a variety of color-changing seaweed species. Jamaican nori is unique in many ways rather than the typical moss seaweed found in temperate climates. From its ability to change color to its abundance of nutrients and vitamins, it’s easy to see why moss has been so in demand over the past decade.
Irish moss is a cousin of the Jamaican sea moss and is widely known for its bright red color and branches. It gives a tree-like appearance and makes this sea moss a unique sight. Not to mention the additional benefits that come from harvesting these interesting algae.
Explore the difference between Jamaican seaweed and Irish moss!
Comparing Jamaican sea moss and Irish moss
| jamaican sea moss | Irish sea moss | |
|---|---|---|
| classification | Genus: Gracilaria | Genus: Condors |
| Yuan | Found along the coastlines of all continents except Antarctica | Found along the coastlines of Europe and North America |
| common name | Jamaican sea moss, purple sea moss | Irish Moss, Carrageen Moss |
| explanation | – Grows in clumps 10 to 11 inches wide and 18 inches long – Consists of flat leaves – long thin branches – Comes in shades of purple, red and greenish yellow |
– Grows to 7-8 inches long – Grow individual branches less than half an inch wide – Firm texture – Green near the surface, dark red in deep water – branched into a fan |
| Usage | – Helps prevent respiratory diseases – Soothes sunburn and moisturizes skin – Alleviate congestion – Relieves sore throat – Immune support |
– Helps lower cholesterol – Reduce inflammation – Immune support – Nourishes your skin |
Jamaican sea moss vs. Irish moss: taxonomy and origin
Jamaican seaweed, also known as purple seaweed, comes from the family Gracilariaceae under the genus GracilariaIt is native to all oceans except Antarctica. This is because it grows best in warm water and climate conditions. It is part of the monitor lizard family, which includes over 200 species, many of which are native to the Caribbean. Gracilaria species prefer to grow in warm waters around the world.
Jamaican nori became popular in the Caribbean Islands, where its inhabitants have used it for centuries. Jamaican moss can be found in foods, hair products, supplements, and more. It’s easy to see why, as it’s packed with minerals and vitamins. As a result, Jamaican sea moss has become an integral part of Caribbean home remedies.
Irish sea moss can be found along the Atlantic coasts of North America and Europe. These soft red algae are found along most of the Irish coastline, Iceland, and the coasts of the United States and Canada. They survive in minimal sunlight. Therefore, Irish moss can grow on the seabed, intertidal zone, and intertidal zone.
©iStock.com/ablokhin
Jamaican Nori vs Irish Moss: Explained
Jamaican nori comes in shades of red, purple, and greenish-yellow. This seaweed has long, flat branches extending from its leaves. Because it usually grows in clumps and uses a sessile root system, moss usually grows well in shallow waters such as estuaries.
Jamaican nori, more commonly known as purple nori, is widely known for its use in making agar. It is harvested to make all sorts of products, including vitamins, supplements and superfoods. Now it is also used in the production of cosmetics.
Irish sea moss is a small seaweed, usually red or dark in color and 7 to 8 inches long. It has a firm texture, green when near the surface of the sea, and dark red when grown on the seabed. Moss has individual branches that resemble a sector and are about half an inch or less wide.
Jamaican Sea Moss vs Irish Moss: Uses
Seamos is like a jack of all trades for everything you can use. Jamaican sea moss, in particular, is an important source of agar with its thickening and preserving properties, and is sometimes used in foods such as jellies and soups. It is also a source of vitamins.
- Prevention of respiratory diseases such as colds, flu and pneumonia
- Moisturizes skin and soothes sunburn
- Relieves nasal congestion and soothes sore throat
- Contains Vitamin C to boost immunity
Irish sea moss, like its cousin, contains thickening and preserving properties in the carrageenan it produces. Additionally, research suggests that carrageenan may lower cholesterol levels and inflammation. It is important to note that there is
©iStock.com/Alexei Filatov
Jamaican Nori vs. Irish Moss: How to Grow
Growing or breeding Jamaican and Irish seaweeds grow sessile. These plants absorb nutrients throughout their bodies and attach themselves to rocks in conditions suitable for their growth. Use the following tips for harvesting seaweed.
Jamaican seaweed:
- Moss grows best in water with a temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Jamaican nori adapts to many water conditions as long as the water salinity is correct.
- harvested by hand
- Harvesting algae in estuaries, tidal pools and coastlines
Irish sea moss:
- Irish seaweed grows best in water temperatures of 68 degrees Fahrenheit
- These plants are usually found in rock pools and on rocks
- Irish sea moss is sensitive to light and appears pale in sunlight
- harvested by hand
In order to collect these two seaweeds, it is necessary to go out after attending a seaweed collecting class. With over 12,000 species of moss, it’s easy to confuse them.
final thoughts
Jamaican nori and Irish nori are interesting plants. They are cousins in the same family and are often mistaken for each other, but they are different and unique. It seems infinite.
Not to mention the aesthetic appeal of each plant! Whether you’re looking to add a little boldness and elegance to your garden, or want to create new recipes with these plants, the possibilities are endless.