Spirulina: everything you need to know about the latest ‘superfood’

It is small, but great. La spirulina it is a microalgae that has earned the nickname of superfood. It is usually marketed as a dietary supplement, but the easiest way to introduce it into the diet is to use it as one more ingredient. In fact, cafeterias and health food establishments have been making the most of it for some time.

Today Summum we explain how and where to enjoy spirulina in the most gourmet.

What exactly is spirulina?

Filamentous cyanobacterium or blue-green algae. It sounds complicated, but it is not. What’s more, it is one of the ingredients of the moment. The spirulina it is halfway between an alga and a bacteria. The name, which comes from Latin, refers to its characteristic tiny spiral shape, since this type of algae does not reach half a millimeter in diameter.

It grows in highly mineralized stagnant waters, in the presence of certain temperature conditions and is cultivated in many areas of the world. From Africa to Asia passing, of course, through Spain, where we find it especially in the Doñana park.

Why should we take it?

Spirulina is a mine of vegetable proteins: contains more than meat and soy and is lower in fat compared to other foods rich in protein. It also stands out for its content of beta-carotene, B vitamins (B12 among them), iron, essential minerals (calcium, especially, but also magnesium, zinc and selenium), omega-3, essential amino acids and antioxidants. What’s more, it is very energetic and acts positively on the immune system.

A special food, which has existed for millions of years, but only recently, carried away by the success of the “superfoods”, has become one of the most sought-after ingredients.

How to take spirulina

Spirulina is marketed mainly in the form of a dietary supplement, in capsules or tablets. As explained José T. Gállego in the book How Spirulina Cures, is this the best way to make the most of all its properties.

Cosmetics also take advantage the antioxidant virtues of this microalgaeAlthough the fastest and most direct way to incorporate it into our diet is to use it as another ingredient in fruit juices, smoothies, cold soups, creams or even with water!

As explained by the nutritionist Carla zaplana in the book SuperfoodsSince spirulina is a food and not a medicine, its consumption is safe. Of course, you have to start consuming it little by little to find the right amount for each one.

But perhaps, in an age hungry for pretty images (yes, we’re talking about Instagram!), the true charm of spirulina is rather in its beautiful color.

The high content of phycocyanin is what makes this microalgae the powerful natural coloring that has been staining the social world blue for some time.

Matcha Mylkbar: the beginning of everything

Once again, the person responsible for the rise to fame of a superfood has been a hot milk-based drink: and “Spirulina latte”. We owe the invention to the Australian cafeteria Match Milkbar. In his letter appear several “Superfoods lattes”, with activated charcoal, turmeric or matcha tea.

El Blue Algae Latte is an attractive blend of almond milk, coconut nectar, pineapple, ginger and Blue Majik, the spirulina extract that is taking social media by storm. As confirmed from Match Milkbar it is the first and original “Spirulina milk”.

From Australia to Madrid: Religion Specialty Coffee’s “Blue latte”

If you are already fantasizing about trying the “Spirulina milk”, you know that Religion Specialty Coffee is the essential address at this time.

Located in one of the most beautiful and exclusive streets of the capital, this cafeteria prepares a “Blue latte” with blue spirulina powder, coconut milk and a sweet ingredient that they do not want to reveal.

Do you dare to try it?

Tendencia “Smoothie bowls”

They are the sensation of the moment among lovers of healthy food. The “smoothie bowls” They are very thick and creamy fruit and vegetable smoothies accompanied by toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts and granola.

La spirulina It is the secret ingredient for these bowls to succeed (if possible, even more) in the networks for being healthy and beautiful. On Religion Specialty Coffee We can try the Healthy blue spirulina bowl with a frozen banana base, oat milk, spirulina powder, fresh fruit, edible flowers and granola.

En Flax & Kale, a Barcelona restaurant with flexitarian cuisine, they prepare the Rainbow Coconut Perfect Milk with coconut milk, spirulina, fruit salad and gluten-free crumble. Finally, RawCoco Green Bar, in Madrid, makes the Blue Magic Bowl with chia seeds, and blue spirulina.

The Kombucha, in blue

La Kombucha It is a sweetened and fermented tea drink rich in vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and organic acids beneficial to health. It is purifying, energizing, antioxidant and, not a secondary detail, it is very fashionable.

If you think that this millennial drink cannot be more cool, you are not right. Recently the group Teresa Carles Healthy Food has launched an exclusive line of Kombuchas. Among them is the Blue Mojito, made with yuzu, an oriental citrus, mint and spirulina. At the moment can be enjoyed only in the group’s restaurants and in its delivery areas of Barcelona, ​​but from the beginning of the year it will also be available in the Online store.

Lolo Polos: with ice, lime and chia

Madrid’s shops of Lolo Polos they also experiment with this prized ingredient. There are two artisan polo shirts with spirulina among its ingredients. The first is a mint, chocolate and spirulina lolly (which has a green hue) and the second is that of lime, lemon, chia and spirulina (with its characteristic blue hue).

They couldn’t be more attractive.

Online, in bulk and eco: where to buy spirulina

Regional Co. is an Alicante company with almost half a century of history in whose online store we can find dozens of spices, salts, condiments and ingredients for cocktails. its range of superfoods It is simply amazing: here we can get all the superfoods of the moment with a simple click. Among them, of course, is the eco spirulina.

It is sold for a price of 6,80 euros each boat. If you prefer to buy organic spirulina in bulk, you can go to both the Nugget and Grain, like those of Ruiz House.