A Complete Guide to making great Sea Moss Gel
Making sea moss gel at home is simple once you understand the essentials. The most important part is preparing the raw sea moss correctly. Raw sea moss is not a ready to eat product, and the level of pre-rinsing varies widely between vendors. Proper cleaning and hydration are key for safety and for a smooth final gel.
This guide uses the same method recommended for Raw Wildcrafted Sea Moss and is part of our Sea Moss Guide.
Step 1: Clean the Raw Sea Moss Thoroughly
Raw sea moss must be thoroughly cleaned before soaking or blending. This step is essential because:
- Sea moss is a natural ocean plant
- Vendors handle and process it differently
- Some vendors pre-rinse lightly, others do not rinse at all
- It may still contain sand, salt, or natural ocean debris
- Insufficient cleaning can become a safety issue (ocean water can have varying levels of bacteria)
How to clean it:
- Place the dry sea moss in a large bowl.
- Rinse it under tap water. Tap water is preferred because the flow helps remove debris.
- Lift and move the sea moss with your hands to release sand and particles.
- Drain and rinse until the water runs clear.
- Repeat as needed. Some batches may require more rinsing than others.
For more background on quality and handling, you can review our Sea Moss Guide.
Step 2: Soak Until the Sea Moss Is Fully Hydrated and Slick
The biggest misconception online is soaking by a fixed time such as 12 or 24 hours. The correct method is to soak until the sea moss is:
- Fully hydrated
- Soft all the way through
- Very slick and slimy on the surface
This is the readiness indicator, not a timer.
What water to use for soaking
Use any water you would personally drink, such as:
- Filtered
- Purified
- Alkaline
- De-ionized
- Reverse osmosis
How long soaking takes
Timing varies. Some batches can soften within a few hours and some may take 24 hours or more. A longer soak time does not mean the sea moss is bad or fake. A more dry and denser batch can take longer. Always soak until soft, not until a timer expires.
If the sea moss is still firm and you blend it, the gel will have hard pieces or a rough texture. Patience is key. For a deeper explanation of why different batches behave differently, see our Sea Moss Guide.
Warm or hot water method
To speed up hydration or soften tougher batches:
- Place the cleaned sea moss in a bowl.
- Bring your water of choice to a boil and then turn off the heat.
- Place the sea moss in the water and then monitor until it has fully softened and then remove. This should be within 5-15 minutes.
- Minerals are heat stable so using heat will not impact those nutrients.
Warm water works well for thicker or denser moss.
Pro Tip: You can add fresh sliced lemons or limes to the soaking sea moss which can help neutralize the ocean smell/taste to the final gel.
Step 3: Blend the Sea Moss Into Gel
Once hydrated, drained and softened, it is ready to blend.
Recommended blending ratio
1 cup soaked sea moss to 1.5 to 2 cups of water.
Use less water for a thicker gel.
Use more water for a thinner gel.
How to blend
- Add soaked sea moss to a high speed blender.
- Start with 1.5 cups of clean drinking water.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add small amounts of water until you reach your preferred consistency.
If you prefer a ready made option, you can also use our prepared Sea Moss Gel.
Pro Tip: You can infuse your sea moss gel with fruits, herbs or veggies to enhance the taste or to add additional nutrients.
Step 4: Store the Gel Correctly
Transfer the finished gel into any clean, food safe container. Let it cool to room temperature before storing.
Storage guidelines
- Refrigerate after cooling.
- Use a freezer safe container if freezing.
- Refrigerated shelf life: up to 3 weeks.
- Frozen shelf life: up to 12 months.
Freezing in cubes or small portions makes daily use easier.
How to Use Sea Moss Gel
Common uses include:
- Smoothies
- Teas
- Juices
- Soups and sauces
- Skin or hair applications
Typical serving size is 1 to 2 tablespoons per day. If you prefer not to make it yourself, you can shop our Wildcrafted Sea Moss Gel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the sea moss is done soaking?
The sea moss should be fully hydrated, soft all the way through and have a slick or slimy feel on the surface. If it still feels firm, continue soaking.
The sea moss did not soften in 24 hours. Is something wrong?
No. Some batches soften quickly and others can take longer. This is normal for a natural wildcrafted product. Soak until soft, not by the clock. We recommend using warm to hot water to speed up the process if the time takes too long. If you're in a rush and prefer not to wait at all you can use this method right away.
Can I use warm water to soak?
Yes. Warm or hot water speeds hydration and is helpful for tougher batches.
What if my gel is too thick or too thin?
Adjust the amount of water used. Less water produces thicker gel. More water produces a thinner gel.
Why does the sea moss smell strong?
Wildcrafted sea moss has a natural ocean scent. Purple and Green sea moss will typically have a much stronger aroma than gold varieties. The use of lemons or limes during the soak process can help neutralize the ocean aroma and taste.
Which Sea Moss Works Best for Gel
Raw wildcrafted sea moss produces a smooth, strong gel with reliable consistency. We recommend starting with our Raw Wildcrafted Sea Moss. You can explore all options in the Sea Moss Marketplace, and for bulk or commercial needs visit our Wholesale Sea Moss section.
