Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae rich in nutritional values: proteins, antioxidants, as well as numerous vitamins and minerals. It is a simple organism that grows easily in warm water; however, as it absorbs toxins it finds in the environment, some people prefer to grow it at home in a controlled and safe environment; others simply like the flavor and texture of fresh seaweed. Once you get some tools, the spirulina colony will soon be able to survive without the need for a major intervention on your part.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Procure the Materials
Step 1. Get a bathtub
Most home growers find that a full-sized aquarium offers adequate space to grow spirulina. A container of this type is therefore perfect for obtaining enough seaweed for a family of four.
You can also grow spirulina in a larger container or even in an outdoor pond or pool (if you live in a warm climate); however, it is much easier to manage their growth in a relatively small container
Step 2. Gather the tools for harvesting
The colony of spirulina may seem quite dense, but it is mainly made up of water; when it's ready to eat or use, you need to squeeze it to get rid of excess liquid. For most amateur growers who want to use only a small amount of fresh seaweed at a time, a thin cloth or net is perfect for this purpose; also, you need a spoon to take it out of the bowl.
If you want to grow it in large quantities to dry it, you need to take a larger cloth or net to make it easier
Step 3. Purchase minerals to encourage algae growth
If you grow it in pure water, you don't always get great results; to have a cologne with optimal nutritional properties, you need to add specific minerals. However, you don't have to be a great expert; you can buy a ready-made product, which represents the "food" of your spirulina, at natural and organic food stores or even online. Make sure it contains:
- Sodium bicarbonate;
- Magnesium sulfate;
- Potassium nitrate;
- Citric acid;
- Salt;
- Urea;
- Calcium chloride;
- Iron sulfate;
- Ammonium sulfate.
Step 4. Purchase a spirulina culture
To make your own "vegetable garden", you need to buy some live seaweed to get started. Look for it at your local health food store, reputable online site, or health food store and ask for a spirulina starter kit.
- These kits typically consist of a simple bottle containing the alga in its culture "medium" (water).
- Buy it only from companies you trust; as it can absorb heavy metals and other toxins, you need to make sure the starter kit comes from a safe and reliable source.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare the Tub
Step 1. Place the container in a warm, well-lit place
If possible, you should keep it near a south-facing window to get plenty of sunlight; this alga needs a lot of light and heat to grow well.
Some growers use artificial light, but get better results with natural light
Step 2. Prepare the culture "medium"
Many times growers speak of "soil" when referring to the growth environment of the alga, but in reality in this case it is simply water with the addition of minerals that represent the "food" of this organism. Fill the tub with filtered water and add the mineral blend following the directions on the package.
- You can also use the water from the aqueduct, as long as it is treated by a standard filter (such as the Brita) connected to the tap.
- If the water contains chlorine, you should first undergo a treatment to remove it using the specific products for aquariums that you find in specialized stores.
Step 3. Check the water temperature
Ideally, it should be around 35 ° C, when it goes above 38 ° C it is too hot. Use an aquarium thermometer to make sure the environment is perfect for growing spirulina.
- This alga can tolerate lower temperatures without dying, but it would be better to maintain a moderately warm environment.
- If the aquarium is too cold, you can raise the water temperature with an aquarium heater, which you can find at specialty or pet stores.
Step 4. Add the spirulina inoculum
To proceed correctly, you must strictly follow the instructions that accompany the package, but generally you simply have to insert the culture in the aquarium; usually, it is necessary to pour half or 3/4 of the package into the "medium" of growth.
Part 3 of 3: Maintain the Spirulina Colony
Step 1. Check for growth
At first the colony seems sparse, but over time it begins to thicken and increase in size; most of the time you don't have to do much else, other than let it grow spontaneously!
- If it seems to you that it is not developing at its best, measure the pH of the aquarium, which should be around 10 when it comes time to harvest the spirulina; if the pH is not at this level, you need to add more minerals.
- You can find the pH test kit at aquarium stores or even online.
Step 2. Shake the tub every now and then
The seaweed needs oxygen to survive. Some growers use an aquarium pump to ensure proper oxygenation of the environment, but it is not strictly necessary; to replenish the water with oxygen you can simply stir it up every now and then.
Step 3. Collect the seaweed after about 3-6 weeks
When it is lush, you can start harvesting some to consume it; all you have to do is take a spoonful! Most people find that one tablespoon of spirulina at a time is enough if you like to consume it fresh.
Step 4. Strain it through a thin cloth
Put the seaweed you picked up in a cloth, hold it over the sink or bowl and gently squeeze the contents to remove excess water; there should be only a thick green paste that you can use in smoothies, as a garnish for your favorite dishes or you can simply enjoy it on its own as it is!
Step 5. Restock the colony with "food"
Each time you take some from the aquarium, be sure to add an equal dose of mineral mixture; for example, if you took a tablespoon of seaweed, pour in a tablespoon of food.
