Spirulina Crunchies: Ultimate Superfood Snack

Spirulina, Arthrospira platensis, is a fresh water micro-vegetable that gets its name from its microscopic spiral shape. Spirulina has been eaten by many cultures throughout history and if you could go back in time to visit the Aztecs you would find them using ropes to skim spirulina from the surface of lakes and ponds. They would then set the algae out to dry and make small, nourishing superfood cakes.

Microscopic view of spirulina's spiral shape

Spirulina pools in the beautiful Costa Rican countryside

Spirulina pool, almost ready for harvest

The benefits of spirulina range far and wide. Most notably spirulina is one of the best sources of protein in the world. Spirulina contains about 65% protein including all eight essential amino acids. Plus, the protein in spirulina is five times easier to digest than that of meat or soy.

Spirulina also contains an abundance of other nutrients such as, iron, vitamin E, beta-carotene, enzymes, omega 3's and 6's, DHA and a rare essential fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is a powerful anti-inflammatory known to ease everything from joint pains such as arthritis to menstrual cramping. Spirulina is also a rich source of phycocyanins, the blue pigment which gives it its color. Phycocyanins are powerful anti-aging antioxidants that help defend our cells against free radical damage.

All together spirulina contains over 100 different vital nutrients and is one of nature's richest and most complete sources of nutrition. But In the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, spirulina is more important than ever due its ability to help protect our bodies from radiation.

Our Spirulina Crunchies™ are grown in a pristine region of beautiful Costa Rica. The algae is raised in covered pools of pure, nutrient rich water where paddles keep the water moving in a circular motion to avoid stagnation. Each step of the process is carefully monitored to avoid contamination from impurities.

Once the desired amount of spirulina is reached in a pool, the water is poured across fine screens that separate the algae from the water. It is at this point that the process for Spirulina Crunchies™ becomes unique.Usually the algae would be dried at high temperatures and powdered or even spray dried. Instead, our spirulina is ground into a paste and is then pressed into little strands, like spaghetti.

The strands are then gently air-dried at low temperatures. It is this simple but revolutionary process that creates the extraordinary crunch and flavor of Spirulina Crunchies™.

Spirulina is separated from the water with screens

Nutrient-rich spirulina paste