Spirulina powder is
obtained by drying, shredding and pulverizing fresh Spirulina,
a sort of
free-floating seaweed made of tiny blue-green cells which grow in the shape of
a spiral, hence the name.
The process to obtain
Spirulina powder follows simple steps but requires time and patience. It starts
with the growth of Arthrospira platensis, the scientific name for Spirulina and
ends with final products like Spirulina powder or tablets.
Nutrients like
minerals and salts are added to strongly alkaline water in shallow ponds to
obtain the optimum conditions for the cells to develop and grow.
Alkaline water
(between 9 pH to pH 10.5) ensures that no other algae or micro-organism can
develop in the pond at the same time. The water is stirred several times a day,
in order to ensure even photosynthesis.
After 3 to 6 weeks
depending on factors like amount of water, warmth, sunlight intensity,
nutrients, etc. theSpirulina reaches its maximum growth (a 3 cm thick mantle)
and can be harvested.
Depending on the size
of the Spirulina plantation this is done with scoops, sticks or similar
machinery. The dark green fluffy foam is passed through several filters to be
drained and cleaned with water.
All water remnants
are pressed out of the mass which becomes a thick paste. It will be spread thin
and sun and air dried. Once it is dried it is ready for consumption or further
processing (pellets, flakes, powder, tablets).
Spirulina powder is a
concentrated product containing more nutrients than the fresh plant.
Ecologically grown
Spirulina will produce the most rich and balanced type of Spirulina powder.
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