Irish moss is a type of seaweed. It grows in cold water and is used in recipes for added nutrition and thickening properties. Irish moss has been used for centuries in Ireland, and is so nutrient dense that it was used as “poverty food” during the famous Irish potato famine in 1846. In fact, of the 102 minerals in the human body, Irish moss contains 92 of them! It carries no colour and relatively no taste while providing a lot of fibre, protein, trace minerals and nutrients. Raw foodists love Irish moss for its use as a thickener, so it is a great addition to a raw vegan diet. In the kitchen, Irish moss can be used any time you want something smooth, thick or creamy - for example, to make desserts, thicken a sauce or soup and make extra-creamy mashed potatoes. Irish moss' health benefits include: soothing to the mucous membranes throughout the body, mild laxative, antioxidant, high in iodine. Used externally it softens and soothes the skin.