Irish moss
Term from the Brauwerkstatt brewing glossary, category “Ingredients”.
Explanation
Dried red seaweed used as a fining. Add about 1 g (0.04 oz) per 10 L (about 2.6 gal) in the last 10–15 minutes of the boil. It helps proteins clump and settle.
Test your knowledge
What is Irish moss?
- A clarifier made from red algae that helps protein drop out during the boil
- A hop variety from Ireland
- A yeast for stout
Show answer
Correct: A clarifier made from red algae that helps protein drop out during the boil. Irish moss is added in the last minutes of the boil and helps the beer become clearer.
Frequently asked questions
My beer is hazy. Is that a problem?
Usually not, and a wheat beer is even meant to be hazy. Irish moss in the boil, fast chilling of the wort and a few weeks of cold conditioning make beer clearer. Haze that only appears when the beer is cold is chill haze. It is harmless.