Irish Moss

Irish moss, also called carrageen, is a small red seaweed that grows on the rocky parts of the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. Wikipedia says it reaches a little over 20 cm, ranges from greenish-yellow through red to dark purple, and is soft and cartilaginous when fresh. Its main constituent is the jelly-forming polysaccharide carrageenan, about 55 per cent of its dry weight, and it sets to a jelly when boiled. It is used fresh as a thickener in carrageen pudding, a milk dish eaten in Scotland and Ireland, and is an industrial source of carrageenan for thickening milk products. The Irish name carraigin means little rock. Cunningham calls it feminine, ruled by the Moon and of the element water. He has it carried, or placed beneath rugs, to increase luck and to ensure a steady flow of money into the house or pockets. It is also carried on trips for protection and safety, and used to stuff luck or money poppets.