Spirulina: 5 tips on how to reliably recognize good quality
The fact that this little blue algae has a lot to offer has become common knowledge in recent years: it has secured its place on supermarket shelves among the superfoods and dietary supplements. Spirulina is booming – and rightly so! But where food is produced and marketed on an industrial scale, quality always suffers. With spirulina, this is especially true: inferior spirulina not only contains significantly fewer nutrients, but can even be harmful! We'll explain why and give you 5 tips on how to easily recognize high-quality spirulina.
First, it is important to understand why agriculturally produced and industrially produced spirulina differ so fundamentally from each other.
The production process determines the quality of the spirulina.
industrial & efficient…
Large industrial spirulina production facilities are primarily located in Asia. Here, production is optimized according to economic efficiency standards to produce cheaply for the global market. This energy-intensive production method also utilizes mineral nitrogen fertilizers, and the long transport routes to Europe and the USA further worsen the carbon footprint. The quality of the spirulina also suffers significantly, as spray drying is used to save time: the spirulina cell membrane is sprayed under pressure with a hot air stream (100-200°C), thus breaking it open. The destruction of the cell membrane leads to rapid oxidation and causes an unpleasant, somewhat fishy odor . Furthermore, the high temperatures cause the loss of vitamins, phytochemicals, and the protein structure, significantly diminishing the positive health effects. Because of its unpleasant aroma, powdered spirulina is no longer truly palatable and can only be sold as a dietary supplement in tablet or capsule form – a less effective form. This also opens the door to fraud: additives and other substances are frequently mixed in, which in the worst case can even harm the body.
… vs. handcrafted & gentle
However, there are also small, environmentally conscious companies that cultivate spirulina using traditional methods , thus foregoing high-tech facilities and spray drying. AKAL Food, incidentally, was the first company to implement this concept in Germany. They focus on regional cycles , harvesting the spirulina by hand and gently air-drying it at temperatures below 42°C. The result is a deep green, extremely nutrient-rich, and exceptionally flavorful spirulina. which you can even use to enhance your food, because its natural umami flavor brings out the full aroma.
Not a trace of rotten fish... Many a Gallic fishmonger would be disappointed. 😉
Regional cultivation naturally results in a significantly better climate footprint . Our farm also features a heat recovery system combined with a biogas plant . Heat is stored during the summer months and then used to heat homes during the winter. The farm is therefore energy self-sufficient .
If you are ever unsure where your spirulina comes from and how it was processed, you can roughly follow these criteria:
1. Pay attention to the appearance
A deep Forest green – with a slight bluish tint – is the color you should look for. If you have tablets or pills in front of you, they should have a matte appearance; a glossy surface This suggests that the spirulina was atomized, compacted, and coated with a binding agent layer that holds it together. Capsules We therefore generally advise against it, also because these binding agents are not always recommendable and there is a possibility that other algae or fillers have been added. A lot of dust in the package also indicates poor quality. If you Sprinkles or flakes So, what you have in front of you is already a good indicator of quality.
2. Pay attention to the smell.
Spirulina has a It should have a light, pleasantly spicy aroma . If it is too strong or unpleasant, this indicates a high oxidation rate and therefore poor quality.
3. Pay attention to the ingredients.
The spirulina content in tablets The purity must be greater than 98% and the product must not contain any preservatives or colorings. Granulated or powdered forms should no additives The label must contain the following terms: Spirulines , Spirulina , Algae Cyanophyceae Spirulina , Spirulina platensis or Arthrospira platensis to be read.
4. Pay attention to the origin
If the manufacturer provides no information on this, Ask! One Organic certification Providing complete traceability of spirulina is not always possible or practical, therefore the manufacturer should offer the most transparent information possible about where and under what conditions their spirulina is grown. This should include the specific farm in question, not just the region. Information on... regular quality controls to be cautious, as the algae can easily become toxic due to impurities. Covered aquaculture facilities are safer than open ones.
5. Pay attention to the dosage form and consumption properties.
At the beginning of intake, spirulina can, in rare cases, cause mild gas, which is why you should increase the amount slowly at first. If the gas is stronger or persistent, consult your doctor. Bloating This can be an indication of a substandard or damaged product. Also, the Water solubility You should keep in mind: The dosage should not be too high so that the product can pass through the stomach and release its active ingredients in the intestines. If it is too low, the substances can only be absorbed by the body to a limited extent during intestinal transit.
Which Dosage form The best option for you depends on the application:
– Would you like to use spirulina as spice To use it and refine your dishes, we recommend... Seaweed spice mill with spirulina sprinkles or – organic spirulina flakes .
– Would you like to greenest of all green smoothies For preparation, it's best to use organic raw spirulina powder .
– If you want to take spirulina as a dietary supplement, e.g. for iron supplementation, do tablets Sense.
– In our opinion, there is only one sensible application for spray-dried spirulina : the Cosmetics . Because for most cosmetic products, the spirulina is broken down and extracted anyway, which is simplified by this drying method.
We hope this information has helped to sharpen your focus and help you find your way around the product jungle a little better!
If you would like to know more and are interested in seeing the climate-neutral cultivation of spirulina with your own eyes, then Come visit our farm sometime! We regularly offer Guided tours And of course, there will be a spirulina tasting. 🙂 Just write to us at info@algenland.de, we look forward to hearing from you.
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