Moss is edible, but all types are not. There are very few varieties of edible moss growth that are suitable for consumption, in fact, some are too poisonous to eat!
From humid caves to scorching deserts, from the roof of our building to the shady corners and cracks of pavements, where does moss not grow? With them naturally and self-sufficiently growing in abundance, the thought has crossed your mind if you can actually eat this plant like mint leaves or arugula.
Know what nutrients make up moss, if it is suitable for human consumption, how to identify non-toxic moss varieties, and more here!
Is Moss Edible?
Yes, a few moss types are edible. As with many other plants, some moss varieties are actually highly nutritious and enjoyable to eat, but there are also mosses that are explicitly dangerous and should be avoided at any cost. You need to learn to identify the edible moss and process it for safety first before trying it out.
Even if you see a species of moss that is recognized to be safe for food, you shouldn’t eat moss from any unknown terrain, rock, or tree just like that. If you desperately want to eat moss, harvest it on your own.
What Are The Types Of Edible Moss?
Let’s examine the various moss species that can be edible and how to recognize them:
- Reindeer Moss: This kind of moss reaches a height of approximately an inch and has a grayish, branchy look, similar to reindeer horns. You can consume reindeer moss raw, but natives usually cook it until tender.
- Spanish Moss: The subtropical and tropical regions are where Spanish moss grows abundantly. People have been consuming this moss by making tea with it , the moss is known to heal rheumatism and diabetes too.
- Oak Moss: Oak moss is frequently found on oak, fir, and pine trees and has a little hairier appearance than the other mosses. Though it has been used in medicine making for ages, eating it uncooked is extremely harmful due to the acids present. So, to eat it, the moss should be boiled twice, with the water being changed in between, to remove all the acids.
- Sphagnum Moss: Although it can be found in various moist regions, this specific moss grows very well in New Zealand. It can be recognized by the main stem, which has a tiny cluster of densely packed branches and clusters of leaves of all sizes and shapes scattered across it.
Does Moss Have Any Nutritional Value?
Moss does have nutritional benefits. Here’s the guideline for the nutritional facts of moss:
Amount Per 100g
Energy 4.5-5.0 kcal/g
Protein 4g (4%)
Sugars 1-5g (1-5%)
Fat 1g (1%)
The nutritional value may slightly differ based on the species of moss plant.
How To Eat Moss?
You can’t just pick up moss and start eating it raw. You have to give it a good wash with fresh clean water and boil it several times with clean water every time before you can finally consume the moss. Keep in mind that this method only works if you’re familiar with the moss and sure that it’s safe to it
Moss can be highly acidic, so it causes stomach issues which won’t be pleasant to have. Moreover, since it grows almost anywhere, you face the risk of ingesting bacteria that may have come into contact with the moss from wildlife, insects, or anything else.
The Superfood Irish Moss: How To Add It In Your Diet
The Irish moss is actually not a type of moss but algae. Found on the rocky Atlantic coasts of North America, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands, it has traditionally been used for years owing to its therapeutic benefits and nutrient-dense features. Only recently it saw a new wave of popularity after celebrities and influencers started talking about its health-boosting potential.
Including Sea Moss In Your Diet
The plant can be eaten raw and in supplement forms like tablets or powders, but many prefer to eat it in gel, blending the sea moss with water, and letting it solidify in the refrigerator until it thickens and forms a gel. The suggested sea moss gel intake daily is 1-2 tablespoons(4-8 grams.
- Sea Moss Gel
The sea moss gel is often used to thicken stews, sauces, or soups and it can also be used as a face mask. Here’s how you make it:
- Clean the sea moss thoroughly and soak it in filtered/alkaline water in a bowl for at least 12 to 24 hours
- Once the sea moss has been soaked, remove it from the liquid and place it on a plate. Keep the water, you’ll use it for blending later, it is enriched with nutrients from the sea moss
- Blend the sea moss in a high-powered blender until smooth. Start with 1 cup of water and add further as needed to achieve the gel’s desired consistency
- Finally, refrigerate the mix in an airtight container for about 2 hours. And it’s ready! You can store this sea moss gel for up to 1 month in the fridge.
- Sea Moss Smoothie
The recipe is super easy to make and delicious too! Blend some frozen fruits(blueberries, strawberries) 1 banana, some dates, almond milk and sea moss(1-2 tbsp per serving) in a high-powered blender until smooth
If you want your smoothie to be creamier, add more non-dairy milk. And if you want it to be thicker, add more frozen fruit
- Sea Moss Fruit Jam
You can store the delicious sea moss jam in the fridge for 1 week and in the freezer for about 2 months.
- Add blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mixture of all to a pot and cook on medium heat, keep until liquid starts to release and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Make a puree out of your berries using an immersion blender after taking it off the stove. Add sea moss gel, lime juice, and sweetener if necessary
- Stir continuously. Once it thickens, store in a jar.
Final Thoughts
We hope that our guide gave you plenty of thoughts on whether eating moss is a viable option or not.
Now you know that a few types of moss are edible, but it doesn’t mean you’ll consume them whenever or wherever.
The mosses we’ve talked about in this article above are just a peek into the vast realm of the moss world, so you ought to be careful when you select edible moss and not confuse them with poisonous ones.