How to Store Sea Moss to Retain its Freshness? A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to our guide on how to store sea moss - the nutrient-rich superfood that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Sea moss is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit your overall health and well-being. 1
However, investing in a superfood like sea moss can be frustrating, only to realise that its quality deteriorates due to improper storage. Not only does this mean you're not getting the full benefits of the nutrients, but consuming rotten sea moss can turn out to be harmful.
Fear not! We have compiled the ultimate blog post on storing sea moss to keep it fresh and mould free. By following our tips, you can extend the shelf life of your sea moss and preserve its valuable nutrients.
So, whether you are an old sea moss user or just starting, keep reading to learn how to store sea moss to squeeze the maximum benefits of the superfood.
Does Sea Moss Expire?
Like any other food product, sea moss can expire if it is not stored properly or has been exposed to moisture or other contaminants. However, if sea moss is properly dried and stored in a cool, dry place, it can last for a long time, usually up to several years.
Now that it’s out of the way, the next big question is how to store sea moss gel to extend its life.
You can keep sea moss in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
Whether you are using dried sea moss or in gel form, store it in a clean, airtight container and seal it tightly. Label the container with the date of purchase, so you can be aware of how long it has been in the fridge.
If you wish to keep it fresh for months, try freezing the gel.
How Long Does Sea Moss Last?
There’s no definite answer to how long sea moss lasts. Although its lifespan can depend on some factors like:
- How it was grown
- How many preservatives it contains
- How it’s stored 2
- Whether it’s fresh or dried
Generally, sea moss gel will last a few weeks in the refrigerator and a few months in the freezer. However, dried sea moss packed in an air-tight container and kept in a dry, cool place can last up to 2 years.
Symptoms of Getting Spoiled Sea Moss Gel
Some factors that may signal that the sea moss gel has expired are:
- Colour
Food items generally have a specific colour, and changes in them mean they aren’t fit to consume. 3 Similarly, sea moss gel is naturally tan or grey, but if the colour becomes dark or changes shade, the gel might be expired.
- Texture
If the sea moss has become extra slimy or more watery than usual, the gel is near its expiry date.
- Odour
Sea moss may have a slight ocean-like odour. But if it starts smelling foul, fishy, and too overpowering, it’s time to toss the gel in a bin.
- Mould Formation
If you see tiny moulds growing on the surface of the gel, it surely means it’s no longer fit to consume.
Can You Freeze Sea Moss Gel?
You can freeze sea moss gel to increase its life and keep it fresh longer. 4 Seamoss, like any other food, can be frozen for months to prevent moulding.
This tip is beneficial if you’ve purchased a bigger batch of sea moss and do not want it to go to waste. Just pour the gel into a container or ice tray. Then pop it into the freezer, and you are all set for the coming months.
The Takeaway
This tutorial focused on knowing how to store sea moss to keep using it for a long time. Storing sea moss correctly is mandatory to increase its lifespan and keep it fresh and mould free.
Irish moss is a gift of the ocean, and using it promises immense health benefits. So, whether you are storing fresh sea moss gel or dried sea moss, keeping it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is essential.
First time using sea moss and don’t know where you should buy it? Visit Myla’s Moss right away to get contaminant-free, full of nourishment sea moss gel at your doorstep.
FAQ's
Does sea moss need to be refrigerated?Sea moss does not necessarily need to be refrigerated, but you can store it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. Otherwise, it can go bad pretty early. Keeping sea moss in the refrigerator can help to prevent moisture from accumulating and mould from developing.
How do you know if Seamoss gel is bad?
Several signs indicate that sea moss gel has gone bad. One of the most common signs is an unpleasant odour or foul smell. Another sign that the sea moss gel has gone bad is the presence of mould or unusual discolouration. If you notice any unusual or unpleasant odours, it is best to discard the gel.
Can I store sea moss in a plastic container?
Yes, you can store sea moss in an air-tight plastic container. However, it is best to choose glass containers for long-term storage.
- Lomartire, S., Marques, J. C., & Gonçalves, A. M. (2021). An overview to the health benefits of seaweeds consumption. Marine Drugs, 19(6), 341.
- López-Hortas, L., Caleja, C., Pinela, J., Petrović, J., Soković, M., Ferreira, I. C., ... & Barros, L. (2022). Comparative evaluation of physicochemical profile and bioactive properties of red edible seaweed Chondrus crispus subjected to different drying methods. Food Chemistry, 383, 132450.
- Luo, X., Zaitoon, A., & Lim, L. T. (2022). A review on colorimetric indicators for monitoring product freshness in intelligent food packaging: Indicator dyes, preparation methods, and applications. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 21(3), 2489-2519.
- Alsailawi, H. A., Mudhafar, M., & Abdulrasool, M. M. (2020). Effect of frozen storage on the quality of frozen foods—A review. J. Chem, 14, 86-96.