Spirulina

The dreaded dinner time conversation that every parent will recognize: "What's for dinner?" It is a struggle to provide meals that are both healthy and flavorful, especially when our plates are filled with familiar, processed favorites. But, what if there was an option chock full of nutrition, packed with protein, calcium, and vitamins and that tasted incredibly delicious? Introducing Spirulina, a blue-green algae that can revolutionize the way people look at their dinner plate.

What Is Spirulina and What Benefits Does it Offer?

Spirulina is one of the few plant sources of easily digestible concentrated protein, providing users with all of the essential amino acids that the body needs, but cannot produce on its own. This means that anyone who chooses to go vegan or vegetarian can rely on this nutrient-rich source of protein to stay healthier. Spirulina is also rich in B-vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, iron, and calcium. It is abundant in antioxidants, to protect us from oxidative damage and several carotenoids and other plant pigments, which help us to stay young and healthy.

The Manufacture of Spirulina

Spirulina is a type of freshwater, photoautotrophic micro-algae, which means it derives its energy from sunlight, and sometimes gets cultured in inland salt lakes. However, since modern-day ocean waters, especially near the equator, contain certain minerals that enable the algae to thrive, it is more commonly cultivated in warm seawater, from which it gets the micronutrients it needs, including magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and sulfur.

Commercial producers of Spirulina harvest the algae in open ponds, unlike the machinery used to cultivate the chloroplasts of land plants, which operate within a controlled environment, efficiently utilizing the natural minerals contained in the water. Spirulina is usually scraped off rocks or the bottom of salt ponds, where it clings where high concentrations of the natural minerals are more prevalent.

In order to create an ideal setting for the micro-algae, commercial producers carefully consider the salinity, pH levels, turbidity, temperature and other nutrients in the water. Spirulina grows extremely fast and can double in biomass every two days in ideal conditions, so the producers actively monitor the growth rate, water temperature, and quality of the crop in order for the Spirulina to virtually double or sometimes even triple in volume by the time of harvest.

When the producers decide that the Spirulina has grown to their desired size and level of quality, they collect and dry the algae to capture the desired nutritional bioactivity. This process involves skimming up the algae with nets or machines, then draining the collected biomass onto drying beds located near the salt ponds, where the sun and wind work together to dry the product.

The Producers then transport the algae to a secure location, where they remove the salt and rinse the dried product to preserve its nutritional content. The last step is a proprietary process that pulverizes the Spirulina into the refined powder that most consumers recognize today.

The Packaged Journey of Spirulina

The packaged journey of Spirulina begins with the packaging equipment, which needs to be designed to effectively seal the powder within its packaging. This is accomplished with sealing devices, such as roll-high filled pouches, which protect the organic Spirulina powder inside while keeping the oxygen out.

The packaged Spirulina also needs to be made shelf-stable and tamper-resistant, so it can safely make its way from warehouses to retail outlets without compromising its nutrition or valuability. Producers ensure this is done through tamper-proof technology, such as child-resistant closures, tamper-evident labels or sleeves, and special laser marks.

With the necessary packaging and transport precautions in place, large shipments of Spirulina travel to major retailers, manufacturers, and health food stores around the world. These locations thoroughly inspect the product for quality and safety, including ensuring that the Spirulina meets all relevant regulation standards, before stocking and selling them to consumers.

Spirulina on the Dinner Table

When Spirulina reaches an individual's dinner table, it is incredibly versatile and versatile. There are many ways to incorporate this nutrient-rich, protein-packed powerhouse into meals. Some popular methods include adding it to smoothies and shakes, sprinkling it over salads, or blending it into dips and dressings. For a more subtle flavor, some people prefer to mix Spirulina in with other foods that they are already familiar with, such as oatmeal, yogurt, or other foods.

But, the taste of Spirulina can still be enjoyed in its own right. Perhaps the most popular way to enjoy it is by adding it to your favorite recipes, just like any other spices. For instance, the flavor of Spirulina can be added to cooked quinoa to enhance the taste and nutrition of a variety of meals. By transforming nutritious dishes that you already love into something with an even greater nutrient value, Spirulina truly revolutionizes what your dinner plate can look like.

Spirulina is truly an impressive superfood — providing a wealth of health benefits, as well as a unique and delicious taste to each meal. The unique manufacturing process ensures that the micro-algae will maintain its nutritional content, while the packaging and transport of the final product make sure it is safe to consume. From the dinner plate to tomorrow’s lunch bag, Spirulina promises a bright future for one’s health and the health of the planet.