1. Plural of carrageen; a red or purple edible seaweed found in the North Atlantic, used to make a gelatinous extract for food thickening and other industrial purposes.
Usage: Also called Irish moss; Commonly used in food production
2. A gelatinous extract or substance derived from carrageen seaweed, used as a thickening or stabilizing agent in foods and cosmetics.
Usage: Also called carrageenan

Examples

• Carrageens are harvested along the Irish coast and dried for commercial use.
• The food industry uses carrageens as a natural thickening agent in puddings and ice cream.
• Carrageens contain polysaccharides that give them their gel-forming properties.
• Many vegetarian products rely on carrageens instead of gelatin.
• The extract from carrageens is valued in cosmetic formulations.