My Jamaican Sea Moss Harvesting Adventure | How We Harvest Jamaican Irish Moss

Earlier this week, I had the wonderful accompany my friend, Ms (Maxine) James and her family to do sea moss (Irish Moss) harvesting.

It has been long overdue and I couldn't wait! (See Video Below)

So yes, I got up from early and head out west to Lucea - in Hanover, that's where they are based, and met up with the family.

Destination, the historic Lucea Harbour :-)



But the way, I noted that it was not a beach sort of environment, it was just as it is named, a harbour, not quite conducive to beach and beach activity, but it has a rich history.

Anyway, without long we were in the water picking sea moss - and neither swimming nor diving!

How is that?

Well, they used an interesting technique.

You see the fact is that this type of sea moss grows closer to where the river meets the sea and so you'll typically you'll find it growing right there in the hallow waters.

The trick though is that you have to go walk the sea barefoot and go early before the water gets murky. It is also seasonal so you have to know when to go. The best times, she said though, is usually in June/ July period.

So yes, you walk the seabed and feel with you feet!
Diving/swimming is also an option, if you choose, but..

• the water here is rather shallow and
  
• Perhaps because it intersects with the river here, it is usually a bit darker.
  

I managed to surprise myself and 'picked' a few lofty, juicy batches though! Yes with my feet :-)

But the expert was... no, not Glen, her husband, but Maxine herself!

She said she learned the trade from her dad, the expert and 'original Irish moss man' in that part of the island.

In total, we harvested probably about three (3) pounds, which was a little less then they normally pull in, but above that, I got the opportunity to see and experience real Irish moss hunting!



By the way, we had two types, one appeared to be the genus gracilaria and the other chondrus crispus.

And yes, I captured it in THIS VIDEO (below) for you and all my readers!



You'll notice that I put out a challenge there though.

I asked those who might be experts in the field of sea plants or aquatic environments, to observe our haul and share their knowledge on that; not just the scientific aspects of the irish moss but also the other sea plants we found there as well.

AND THE BONUS?

We went to harvest sea moss but ended up also sighting a HUGE and reputed dangerous jelly fish, as well as a sea crab (which we caught as well)!



Sounds fun right? Oh yes!

If you haven't seen the video, be sure to watch it here on YouTube.

By the way, I'll now grab the opportunity to respond to a few popular questions about Jamaican sea moss...


By the way, Rilee from Oregon in the USA asked me a question about the popular foods to eat in Jamaica.

And in addition to Irish Moss punch, I shared these with her. What do you make of them? :-)

Let me know!

Regards,
WG

P.S. And, as I mentioned in the video, if you are interested in sourcing sea moss from Jamaica, be sure to reach out to me via my email address gwellesley (at) gmail.com (or via the comments below) and I'll respond to you accordingly.

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

Read More ...

---

---

Back To The Top Of This Page

NEW! JOIN MY PATREON COMMUNITY! Click Here For Details.