There are a number of ways to use your sea moss. If you want to use the moss in its dried state, as is, then it is ready to go and may need blending or chopping in a food processor.

If you prefer to use it as a gel for beverages, puddings or cereal here is one process you might like to try. Every one I have met in the Caribbean has their own special way of making their Sea Moss concoctions, so I recommend you play around with these recipes to find the one that most suits you and your family.

Creating your Sea Moss Gel

Rinse about one cup of sea moss in a bowl of water. Pour out water and rinse again. Try not to leave in the rinse water for too long, as it will eventually lose its valuable nutrients.

Boil the sea moss in 2 quarts of fresh water. I generally add my nutmeg, cinnamon and bay leaf during the boiling to get a nice flavor. After boiling, remove the bay leaf and set aside to cool.

Store this gel for up to two weeks in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Add spoonfuls of the gel to your oatmeal in the morning, your puddings and even pie filling.

Many individuals will add this gel to their bathwater to soften their skin and ease dry, itching skin issues.

Sea Moss Punch

2 cups of seamoss gel

2 cups of water

2 large cans of evaporated milk

1 large can of condensed milk

Blend together in blender and add sugar to taste. Add rum for a great party punch.

This recipe will create a fairly large portion of punch. For just a few people, you may want to halve the recipe. You can always refrigerate and re-blend any leftover for the next day.

For a delicious change, add bananas, berries or any other fruit. We often add peanut butter for a nice punch.

For an exhaustive list of the medicinal uses of sea moss, I recommend the following website, http://www.ryandrum.com/seaweeds.htm.