Spirulina
Arthrospira platensis

Family: Oscillatoriaceae

What it is like

A blue-green algae. It grows in saline and often alkaline waters. The filaments are twisted into narrow spirals. A very small algae or bacteria. It is a free-floating filament forming cyanobacteria.

It has a high protein content. It can be 72%. It is high in Vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B2, B12, E, H and K, calcium, iron and niacin.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical and subtropical lakes and marshy areas. It is common in Lake Chad. It can be cultivated in inland lake areas.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central Africa, Chad, China, East Africa, Europe, India, Israel, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Niger, North America, Pakistan, Sahel, South America, Spain, Uruguay, USA, West Africa

How it is used for food

It is made into flat greenish cakes or made into a mourishing soup or thick gravy. The powdered form is used as a food supplement in drinks, protein powders, and noodles.

Edible parts

Algae

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Die, Dihu, Dine, Tecuitlatl

Synonyms

Spirulina platensis (Gomont) Geitler;