There are rigorous quality assurance parameters to be met in our unique Spirulina Production Process. Our well-trained staff especially in the R&D segment has modernized the Production process using advanced industrial and laboratory technologies.
Welcome to our deep dive into the step-by-step spirulina production process. This section explains the problems encountered with the cultivation of spirulina and how it is harvested which is a process that has several fascinating stages. Spirulina, a blue-green algae having high protein contents, vitamins, and minerals is known for its nutritional value. In this guide, we will explain spirulina farming and processing to obtain this superfood.
Setting Up the Spirulina Production Environment
The first step in spirulina production is creating an optimal environment where spirulina can thrive.
Spirulina is commonly grown in open ponds or closed photobioreactors. Natural sunlight is harnessed for large-scale production in open ponds. More sophisticated cultivation is, however, achieved through closed systems. It is preferable for spirulina to grow in warm alkaline conditions.
- Inoculation: Starting the Culture
After the environment is prepared the next thing is to put the spirulina in the growth medium.
- Inoculation: This means putting a starter culture of spirulina into the prepared medium. The inoculum must be chosen with care and consideration for purity and vitality since all marine life in an aquaculturist’s tank is bred from it throughout the rest of the cycle.
- Growth Initiation:The spirulina culture may be divided into various subcultures and begin to increase in number. This phase still calls for restrictions because a delicate balance must be struck to ensure that the algae are developing.
- Nurturing Growth: The Cultivation Phase
While the spirulina culture is becoming established, the focus turns to the process of supporting its further growth.
- Nutrient Management:Several nutrients are important in enhancing the growth of spirulina such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In a normal situation, the reasonable frequency application of the mentioned nutrients will provide good growth and yield.
- Agitation And Mixing: To maintain the spirulina in suspension and to achieve even dispersion of nutrients and light amongst other requirements, Proper Agitation is of the utmost importance. Mechanical or air-based systems are used to provide the necessary agitation.
- Harvesting Spirulina
Once the spirulina has reached the desired density, it’s time for harvesting.
- Collection Methods:Spirulina is harvested via filtration, centrifugation, or flocculation. Through a fine mesh, spirulina gets separated from water in filtration processes. The rapid spinning motion is used in centrifugation to separate algae from liquid.
- Initial Processing:The medium, on the other hand, is often washed in the process of harvesting spirulina in order to remove contaminants and residues from the growing medium.
- Drying and Processing
Drying and processing are performed in order to prepare the spirulina for being marketed and to retain its nutritional constituents.
- Drying: Spray drying is the most common method for drying spirulina. Spray drying works by squirting liquid spirulina suspension into a heated chamber where the temperature rises, creating a vapor that evaporates the water content of the suspension and leads to a fine powder. More modern and effective systems nowadays, such as RWD drying, provide better results than spray dryers.
- Packaging: This powder is then packed in vacuum-sealed containers that are airtight in order to keep them fresh and prevent any chances of biological contamination.
- Quality Control
It is important to be careful in controlling spirulina since the wrong concentration might negatively affect the nourishment obtained from it.
- Testing: Before the product can be sold to the public, it has undergone a series of tests to check its purity, nutritional value, and foreign substances that might be present within the product. Light metal content and microbiological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi are tested including verification for whether the nutrition claims are correct.
- Certification: Certification of Organic and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) may be necessary for the production of the goods to respect the industrial requirements and satisfy customers.
Conclusion
The production of spirulina is a meticulous and rewarding process that combines science with sustainable practices. Be it creating the ideal environment for the cultivation, or the harvesting, drying, or quality control, Green Bubble assists you in all the processes involved in coming up with a first-rate superfood. Once you comprehend this process, you appreciate the care and attention that goes into making its way to your table, and the nutrients it carries with itself.