In the Caribbean we have the benefit of many beaches to enjoy, and a delightful drink call Sea Moss drink. Whenever I go to the beach I always find that the food purchased at the beach always taste more scrumptious. The fish is always larger and fresher, not to mention tastier. If you have ever eaten bake and shark at Maracas Bay or a white fish fillet in Toco, you know what I mean. That is why I always make sure to buy some fish before I leave for home from the beach. However, fishermen will not allow you to just buy fish, they will also encourage you to buy some sea moss.
Men in Trinidad are not bashful to claim how much an elixir and aphrodisiac the sea moss drink is. It is believed to be an excellent reviver and energizer or as we say in Trini “it good for de back”. This maybe true but, you know how people are; they will tell you anything to sell their sea moss. For those of you who don’t know sea moss is a type of sea weed that’s dried and sold at the market etc. we present the picture below of how it looks.
Now, sea moss is considered a vegetable, a type of algae, that is harvested from the sea and used mainly in drinks in the Caribbean. Though it can also be used as a thickener in in commercial foods. It is a good source of iron; has some protein, and it is full of antioxidants, a compound that helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Sea moss also has a lot of potential benefits, among them are: support for good gut health, immunity, thyroid health, and can aid in weight loss (it is low in calories). Now, for this drink if you are trying to lose weight, you can remove the sweetener altogether or substitute it with honey.
Sea Moss Recipe
This recipe calls for regular milk, however, you can substitute the milk with almond milk and vanilla extract. You can then sweetened the drink as you like.
SEA MOSS DRINK
Ingredients:
1 pound sea moss
2 limes
water
1 tin condensed milk
2 teaspoons Angostura bitters
sugar to taste
1 pack ( 250ml) evaporated milk
1 stick of cinnamon
Direction:
Clean the sea moss before it is soaked. (The roots of the sea moss may have bits of debris from where it held onto).
Soak the sea moss with lime juice overnight. Soaking eliminates the fresh scent of the sea moss.
Wash and boil with the cinnamon until it becomes jelly like.
Remove the cinnamon then blend and strain the mixture. Leave to cool. (Notice how it gets like gelatin when it cools). Use about half of the cooled mixture. (The rest can be refrigerated or frozen to make more later). Place in a blender and add milk (condensed and evaporated). Blend until it becomes smooth and lose.
Add bitters and sugar to taste. Mix well and serve with ice.
Well, that’s it for this post. This is a delicious drink you must try…I believe I still have some in the fridge. I think I’m going to pour me a glass right now… Good bye until next time and cheers!
Some More Caribbean Drink Recipes
Click here for printable recipe.