IRISH MOSS

Chondrus crispus

 

CLASSIFICATION—

Red Algae

​

Small branching seaweed

Fan-shaped fronds

Growing upon rock below the tide

Color ranging deep purple to pale green

 

SEASON—

Gathered after storms or at low tide

Often harvested spring through autumn

Dried for winter storage

 

ARCHIVE—

Irish coastal record, 1810

Irish moss gathered after storms and dried upon stone walls.

 

Nova Scotia trade report, 1867

Large quantities prepared for export throughout the summer season.

 

Household recipe book, c. 1850

Boiled into milk and sweetened as nourishment for the sick.

 

CORRESPONDENCES—

Sea

Stone

Fog

Winter stores

 

NAMES—

Irish Moss

Carrageen Moss

Carragheen

Pearl Moss