Sea moss is a natural product. It’s a type of seaweed or marine vegetable used for centuries as a food, medicine, and natural supplement.
Sea moss does expire. You can extend the life of your sea moss by storing it in the freezer. With proper storage in a cool, dry place, most sea moss will be safe for at least one month and up to three months in the fridge.
Sea moss contains vitamins A, C, and E and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is said to help with digestion, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, and other health issues. Sea moss can be eaten fresh or dried and used in soups or smoothies.
How Long Does Sea Moss Last?
Most sea moss will be safe for at least one month and up to 3 months when stored properly. Purchasing a high-quality sea moss product made from organic matter and keeping it in an airtight container will extend the life of your favorite brand. Since it will deteriorate over time, buying small batches might prevent waste.
Sea Moss Gel
Sea moss gel is made by processing sea moss into a thick, jelly-like form. It’s natural organic seaweed and a marine vegetable, so it doesn’t need anything added to form a gel. Never keep your sea moss gel at room temperature or in a pantry. It will deteriorate quickly when exposed to air.
It can be used in recipes, as a thickener, or added to desserts and smoothies. Sea moss in this gel form should be stored in the refrigerator and last at least one month.
Sea Moss Gummies
Irish sea moss is available as a gummy you can take daily. The gummy form is very convenient. Many people don’t have time to make their sea moss gel or smoothie recipes. Irish moss has outstanding health benefits, containing nearly all the essential minerals you need.
High-quality sea moss gummies purchased from a reputable source will give you all the benefits without the work. Plus, they have a much longer shelf life depending on how you store the bottle.
Capsules/Pills
Sea moss in capsule and pill form is an easy way to get the benefits of sea moss without having to eat it or use it in a recipe. Sea moss capsules and pills are available online and in some health food stores. They are made from dried sea moss and are gelatin capsules. The capsules and pills are a convenient way to take sea moss, especially while traveling. They should be stored in a cool, dry place but typically will last a long time.
Dried Sea Moss Powder
Sea moss powder is another convenient way to use sea moss. Sea moss powder is dehydrated and finely ground sea moss. You can add it to smoothies, soups, or any recipe with enough liquid to dissolve the powder.
Dried sea moss powders have a much longer shelf life than other forms. Sea moss powder does not have an expiration date. It will last as long as the dried sea moss is stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Raw Sea Moss
You can quickly distinguish between real, naturally grown sea moss and fakes. Natural sea moss comes in various sizes, colors, and shapes. Often, there will be extra organic matter like seaweed in it. Factory-farmed moss is often uniform in size and color. From a shelf-life perspective, factory-farmed moss with chemicals to preserve it will last longer but be lower quality.
It’s commonly called Irish Sea Moss because of the significant role it played during the famine in the 1800s. It became a large part of the Irish diet! It grows in the North Atlantic Ocean along the coasts of Ireland and Europe.
How to Tell If Sea Moss Is Bad?
If you’re unsure whether your sea moss has gone off, there are a few things to check. Raw sea moss should be firm and have a slightly slimy texture. It should also have a mild seaweed smell. If your sea moss is noticeably darker, smells bad, or has green mold, it’s probably past its expiration date and isn’t safe to use.
Even before sea moss has changed color or grown mold, you’ll notice the taste changing if it’s old.
Each batch of sea moss gel should have a batch code and expiry date on the package. Following the package instructions for storage and discarding anything past the expiration date will prevent your sea moss from going rancid.
How Do You Tell If your Sea Moss Gel is Spoiled?
If you notice any pungent odors when you open your jar, it’s likely spoiled. Also, if the texture or color of the gel has changed – that’s another indication it’s time to toss it. Always check the top layer of the gel for changes in color, consistency, or mold growth before using.
Fresh sea moss gel should have a tan or beige color and will darken over time. The color and texture changes are a sign of aging. It’s hard to know precisely when it’s expired, but color, taste changes, and other signs indicate it’s time to buy or make a batch.
Storage
Like any vegetable, it is going to go bad eventually. How long that takes depends on how you store it. Store sea moss gel using airtight containers in the fridge. When stored properly in a cool, dark, and dry place, gummies, pills, and powders won’t expire for a long time. The bathroom counter would be the worst spot to leave your sea moss!
Refrigeration
Sea moss gel needs refrigeration, preferably at the back where it’s coldest. Keeping the top closed and storing it in the coldest part of the fridge will help your sea moss gel last as long as possible. A tightly sealed lid will prevent your sea moss gel from absorbing fridge smells.
Freezing
Sea moss may be frozen. Freezing will extend the life of your sea moss for up to 6 months. This means your frozen sea moss will be fresher for longer. After thawing, you should not refreeze sea moss.
To extend the shelf life of sea moss gel, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray. Once the cubes are frozen, pop them into an airtight container and use them just as the recipe calls.
Should You Be Using Sea Moss?
Sea moss is an excellent source of essential minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It also contains vitamins A and C, as well as B-12. All of these are essential for optimum health. Sea moss can help regulate blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. It’s also anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the risk of cancer.
FAQ – (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can You Use Expired Sea Moss?
Like any perishable food, spoiled sea moss may make you ill. Using sea moss that has signs of spoilage may cause side effects or illness from consuming something past its shelf life or a fake manufactured product. It’s always better to err on the side of caution. When in doubt, throw it out!
How Long Is the Average Jar of Sea Moss Good For?
The shelf life of sea moss is excellent. Most people keep their gel in a container in the freezer to make it last longer. Once removed from the freezer, sea moss will deteriorate quickly. Purchasing high-quality sea moss from natural sources will last longer and is the healthiest option.
Does Mold on Sea Moss Mean It’s Bad?
Green mold on your sea moss means it’s spoiled. Keep your sea moss sealed tightly to prevent spoiling.
Do different types of Sea Moss Expire?
Each different form of sea moss will have its expiry date. Some, like sea moss gel, expire quickly. Other forms, like powdered or dry, will last much longer.
Can you make your own sea moss gel?
The fresh sea moss is soaked in alkaline water or fresh water from a spring. After it’s soaked, the sea moss and soaking water go into a blender. It takes a heavy-duty blender to turn this into a smooth gel.
While it is possible to make your own, it’s better and safer to purchase from a reputable vendor.
You can also make your sea moss gel by using dried sea moss powder. Mixing one-quarter cup of dried sea moss powder with two cups of boiled water in a blender for about one minute will give you about 2 cups of sea moss gel. Pour your gel into a sterile mason jar and seal tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to a month.