Carragheen or Irish Moss

Chondrus cripsus The branched fronds are up to 15 cm (6 in) long, reddish purple in colour but they may bleach white or show green tints when exposed to strong light. It can be found on most of our rocky coasts but it is most common in Ireland and Cornwall, on rocks on the lower shore in spring or summer. There is another edible seaweed that is very similar in appearance, batter frond Gigartina stellata. Batter frond differs in that it has a concave surface so that the sides of each segment tend to inroll and also its older specimens have tiny pimples.