Jelly weed

Distribution:       

Common on rocky reefs, this red alga is often washed ashore after storms. Similar to the Irish moss found in Britain, jelly weed was once collected by our colonial settlers, and then boiled. The liquid created was used to make jellies and blancmange (milk pudding). Carrageenan and agar can be found in their cell walls, which are thickening or stabilising agents. This means they dissolve in water and will set at room temperature.