Spirulina

What Is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a dried product made from a group of spiral-shaped blue-green microalgae grown in fresh or salt water, and sold as a powder or tablets. It is known for its dark greenish-blue color and high protein content.

It has a distinctive, mildly oceanic, grassy flavor. In cooking, it is usually added in very small amounts to smoothies, green drinks, energy balls, and some blends to add color and nutrients.

Spirulina Nutrition

As a powder, spirulina contains concentrated protein and various minerals; however, because it is used in very small amounts (usually one to two grams), its overall contribution to a meal is limited. For this reason, a detailed nutrition table is not provided here.

How Should Spirulina Be Evaluated?

Spirulina is a food additive used in small amounts and is considered part of a balanced diet. Since algal products are sensitive to growing and production conditions, it is important to buy from a monitored, reliable source.

This is general information; spirulina is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Spirulina

Good spirulina is dark green-blue, finely powdered and free of clumps, with its characteristic but not spoiled smell, and comes from a reliable, monitored producer. Avoid products of unknown origin or those with mold or an unusual smell.

• The color should be dark green-blue and the powder fine
• It should come from a monitored, reliable producer
• It should have no mold or unusual smell

How to Store Spirulina

Store spirulina powder in a sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place; moisture and light can damage its color and quality. Keeping the lid tightly closed preserves its aroma and prevents it from absorbing moisture.

Using Spirulina in the Kitchen

Spirulina is used in small amounts in green smoothies, fruit juice, energy balls, granola, and some dough and cream mixtures; it is also used to add natural green color. Because its flavor is pronounced, add it in small amounts and balance it with fruit.

How to Add Spirulina to a Smoothie

Add less than one 5 ml measure of powder to a fruit smoothie or water and mix; because its flavor is pronounced, add it gradually, tasting as you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is spirulina used sparingly?

Its flavor and color are very intense, so even a small amount is noticeable; for this reason, add small amounts to drinks and blends and balance them with other ingredients.

Why does the source of spirulina matter?

Since algal products are sensitive to the water in which they are grown and to production conditions, buying from a monitored, reliable producer is important for safe consumption.

What does spirulina taste like?

It has a distinctive, mildly oceanic, grassy, earthy flavor; for this reason, it is usually balanced with fruit drinks.