Spirulina: The Superfood

Spirulina is one of nature's most powerful superfoods according to NASA and the WHO. It is grown in warm, alkaline lakes and is found naturally in Africa, South America, and Asia. Spirulina is actually Arthospira maxima or platensis. As you may tell from the name, spirulina is named from it's unique helical trichome cells. In order to grow, spirulina trichomes fragment into cell fragments called hormogonia, which disperse and seek favorable conditions. Furthermore, spirulina is able to stay in a dormant state to survive extreme enviroments. Spirulina can be cultivated using Zarrouks or BG-11 nutrient media. It can be grown using open pond or closed loop systems. In raceway ponds, paddewheels agitate the spirulina cells for proper oxygenation and sunlight, enabling for rapid growth. However, rotifers or other contaminants can affect the quality of the end product. Indoor systems have higher up front costs due to energy and environment control expenses. Spirulina has all 9 essential amino acids and is considered a full protien source. It is 60-70% protein by dry weight. Phycocyanin found in spirulina is a blue pigment used as a food coloring that can have supplementary benefits as a functional food. It is a phycobiliprotein used to capture light for the cyanobacterium. Usually, spirulina can triple in biomass every day under optimal conditions.