Iceland moss

Description

A water soluble gum obtained from the lichen, Cetraria islandica, that is native to Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Iceland moss contains hemicellulose mixed with some uronic acid, galactose, mannose and glucose. For use, the plant is gathered, dried then powdered to form a grayish-brown flour. The flour forms a viscous paste when mixed with water and it is used to make insect resistant breads such as sea biscuits. It is also used for sizing textiles and for marbling papers.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Cetraria islandica