High density Live Spirulina culture, each bottle contains 450ml / 900ml.
This pure and fresh Spirulina starter culture will allow you to grow your own fresh Spirulina!
To find out more about our Spirulina growing kits (click on the link).
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Our Spirulina culture is grown on food-grade nutrients under monitored conditions, to ensure culture purity. With this live starter culture you will soon be on your way to producing fresh Spirulina for you and your family.
Cointains
450ml / 900ml of high-density Live Spirulina culture for home growing of Spirulina.
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About Spirulina Culture: Harnessing the Power of a Superfood
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploring sustainable food sources that can address the challenges of global food security and environmental sustainability. One such promising candidate is spirulina, a blue-green microalgae that is hailed as a superfood due to its exceptional nutritional profile. Spirulina culture, the process of growing and harvesting spirulina, has gained significant attention for its potential to provide a sustainable source of food and various other applications. In this article, we will delve into the world of spirulina culture, its benefits, cultivation techniques, and its potential implications for the future.
Spirulina, scientifically known as Arthrospira platensis or Arthrospira maxima, is a photosynthetic cyanobacterium that thrives in alkaline environments, such as lakes, ponds, and artificial cultivation systems. It has a unique ability to convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, making it an excellent candidate for sustainable food production. The nutritional composition of spirulina is impressive, boasting a rich content of protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is known to be a complete protein source, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids required by the human body.
One of the significant advantages of spirulina culture is its high productivity. Spirulina can reproduce rapidly, doubling its biomass every 24 hours under favorable conditions. This rapid growth rate makes it a highly efficient crop compared to traditional agricultural crops that require much larger land areas and longer growing seasons. Moreover, spirulina cultivation can be done in both open pond systems and closed bioreactors, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to different climatic conditions and available resources.
Cultivating spirulina starts with obtaining a pure culture of the microalgae. This can be achieved by isolating a strain from a natural source or obtaining a starter culture from a reliable spirulina supplier. Once the culture is established, it is typically grown in shallow open ponds or closed bioreactors. Open pond systems are more common due to their cost-effectiveness and simplicity. These ponds are constructed with a lining to prevent contamination and to maintain the desired alkaline pH levels required by spirulina. The culture is constantly stirred or agitated to ensure adequate light exposure and prevent settling.
To promote optimal growth, spirulina requires specific environmental conditions. It thrives in warm temperatures between 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, with a pH range of 9 to 11. Additionally, spirulina requires a constant supply of carbon dioxide, which can be provided by adding a carbon source such as bicarbonate or carbon dioxide gas. Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for spirulina growth and can be supplied in the form of fertilizers, such as urea and potassium phosphate. The cultivation medium should be regularly monitored and adjusted to maintain optimal nutrient levels.
Harvesting spirulina is a crucial step in the culture process. Once the spirulina has reached its desired biomass concentration, it is harvested by different methods, including filtration, centrifugation, or flocculation. Filtration involves passing the culture through mesh screens to separate the spirulina biomass from the liquid medium. Centrifugation utilizes high-speed spinning to separate the denser spirulina cells from the surrounding medium. Flocculation involves the addition of chemicals to encourage the aggregation of spirulina cells, which then settle to the bottom and can be easily harvested.
The harvested spirulina can be consumed directly as a whole food or further processed into various forms such as powder, flakes, or tablets. Its mild taste and high nutritional value make it a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into smoothies, energy bars, snacks,
and even used as a natural food coloring agent. Additionally, spirulina has gained popularity in the aquaculture industry as a feed supplement for fish and shrimp, improving their growth and enhancing their immune systems.
The potential implications of spirulina culture extend beyond its nutritional benefits. Due to its efficient photosynthetic properties, spirulina has the potential to sequester carbon dioxide and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Its cultivation in large-scale systems can help combat climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Moreover, spirulina culture requires minimal land and water compared to traditional agriculture, making it an attractive option for regions facing water scarcity and limited arable land.
In conclusion, spirulina culture offers a sustainable solution to address the challenges of food security, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental sustainability. Its high productivity, exceptional nutritional profile, and adaptability to different cultivation systems make it a promising crop for the future. As research and technology continue to advance, further optimization of spirulina cultivation techniques and the exploration of its diverse applications can unlock its full potential as a superfood and a valuable resource for a sustainable future.
