Spirulina
Spirulina is a form of cyanobacterium, often eaten as a protein rich dietary supplement, which consists primarily of two species of cyanobacterium: Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Dried Spirulina is an extremely dense form of protein and nutrients, containing about 57g of protein per 100g of powder. It is a complete protein with all essential amino acids. It also contains other nutrients such as:
- Vitamin K
- Iodine
This supplement is often distributed as a tablet or powder and can be grown in a highly alkaline environment (PH 8.5+). Since it is difficult for other life forms to exist in a high PH environment, it is relatively easy to grow Spirulina and keep it free from infectious microbes.
Adding Spirulina to Your Diet
Its relatively easy to add Spirulina to your diet. Dr. Mercola, for instance, suggests adding 1 tbsp of Spirulina to a meal as a protein supplement.
Growing Spirulina
Nutrients to Feed Spirulina
Spirulina is able to produce its own food, without a living energy or organic carbon source. A simple formula which could grow spirulina includes:
Baking soda - NaHCO3 - 16 g/L = 60.56 g/gal
Potassium nitrate - KNO3 - 2 g/L = 7.57 g/gal
Sea salt - NaCl - 1 g/L = 3.78 g/gal
Potassium phosphate - KH 2 PO 4 - 0.1 g/L = .378 g/gal
Iron sulphate - FeSO4 * 7H2O - 0.01 g/L = .0378 g/gal
