How to Tell if Sea Moss Gel is Stale & How to Increase its Shelf-Life

Preparing sea moss gel is easy, but storing it correctly is very important to preserve its nutrients and increase its shelf-life. Since it is a marine-derived product, sea moss gel will eventually degrade and become stable, and it might be difficult to determine if your sea moss gel is still good to use or has passed its expiration date. 

In today’s blog, we’ll discuss how to identify if your sea moss batch has gone stale and how you can increase its longevity. 

How Long Can You Store Sea Moss Gel?

A batch of sea moss gel prepared using dried sea moss generally lasts for about two to four weeks. Refrigerated sea moss gel can last for up to a month if it is stored in an air-tight container or mason jar. 

To further increase the life of your sea moss gel, you can freeze it in a sealed container or air-tight plastic bag. Frozen sea moss gel can stay fresh for up to four to six months.

How to Tell If Your Sea Moss Gel Has Gone Bad

These are some tell-tale signs that can help you identify if your sea moss gel has gone bad.

Appearance

Stale sea moss gel will initially develop a light brown or grey color similar to sand or oatmeal. Its color will become noticeably darker as it ages, indicating that it is very near its expiration date. 

Moreover, there could be patches of mold developing on the upper layer of the sea moss gel. The mold could be dark green, black, or pink in color.

Smell

If the sea moss or the container it is stored in begins to smell bad, it's time to throw it out. Stale sea moss has a pungent, fishy odor. 

Texture

A slimy or watery consistency also indicates that your sea moss gel has gone bad.

How To Increase the Shelf-life of Sea Moss Gel

Here are certain tips to increase the shelf-life of sea moss gel:

• To preserve sea moss gel for longer periods, it should always be kept in airtight containers. If the moss is unnecessarily exposed to the air, it can quickly rot and develop mold and bacteria.
• The gel's shelf life can be almost tripled by storing the containers in the freezer, allowing it to be kept for up to three months. 
• If you choose not to freeze the sea moss gel, store it in the rear of the refrigerator. Having your gel in this spot can help it last longer because it is usually the coldest area.
• Avoid touching the gel. This prevents extra germs or potential dirt from being added, which could speed up the depletion of the gel.
• If you're worried about sea moss gel losing its potency quickly but don't want to freeze it, prepare or buy small quantities instead of in bulk.

Final Thoughts

The main point is that sea moss gel should be handled like any other perishable food. Though it's important to take measures to ensure its longevity, it's important to acknowledge that it will eventually deteriorate and spoil. So, remember to watch for any changes in appearance, smell, or texture.

To increase the shelf-life of sea moss, store it in an air-tight container and keep it in the back of your refrigerator. Moreover, sea moss gel can last for up to three to four months when frozen.

Adding sea moss gel to your diet possesses a wealth of advantages. To try some today, shop online at Herbal Vineyards for the best sea moss gel in the market!