There are various forms of mosses, lichens and seaweeds which are
collected and sold commercially. Among these may be included the
seaweeds known as Iceland moss and Carrageen or Irish moss, as well as
the lichen moss grown in Japan called Agar-agar.
Carrageen Decoction.
1 oz. each Iceland moss and Carrageen; thoroughly clean in several lots
of boiling water to remove bitter principles and sand; then boil ¾ hour
in 1½ pints of water, strain and flavour to taste.
Agar-agar Decoction.
Take 2 ozs. of any kind of fruit juice, add 1 pint of hot water in
which a few small strands of agar-agar have been previously dissolved.
Alternative with Milk.
½ pint fresh milk, 1 oz. dried separated milk, ⅛ oz. agar-agar, a
little cinnamon or nutmeg to flavour. Simmer until all is dissolved and
then stand aside to set. Serve cold as a jelly, or warm up to use as a
thick demulcent drink.
Tomato Jelly.
¾ lb. fresh tomatoes, rubbed through a sieve, 2 bay leaves, 1 small
onion, 2 ozs. lemon juice, ¼ oz. agar-agar, 1 pint water. Simmer until
the agar is dissolved, strain and serve cold as a jelly or warm up as a
thick demulcent drink.