Spirulina Production Process

Spirulina’s popularity is skyrocketing, with companies worldwide producing 3,000 tons annually to meet the soaring demand for this superfood.

Cultivation

Spirulina is typically cultivated in controlled environments, such as open ponds or closed photobioreactors. Open ponds are shallow artificial bodies of water where spirulina is grown under controlled conditions of temperature, pH, and nutrient levels.

Harvesting

Harvesting methods vary depending on the cultivation system used. In open ponds, spirulina may be harvested using filtration systems or centrifugation to separate the biomass from the culture medium.

Processing

After harvesting, the spirulina biomass is concentrated into a paste or slurry. The paste is then passed through a special cloth with minute holes, allowing water to pass through but keeping the spirulina behind.

Dehydration

Different strategies are used to dehydrate the spirulina, including spreading it on large tables or using pressure to remove water. The spirulina is then broken down into smaller pieces and fed into a cylinder-like device to increase its surface area.

Drying

The spirulina noodles are then transferred to several trays, allowing the superfood to dry off. Temperature management or specialized machines may be used to ensure that the spirulina gets dried off evenly.

Finished Product

The finished product, rich in antioxidants and minerals, is ready after a tiring and tedious process of dehydration. The noodles-like dried spirulina can be broken down into smaller pieces by hand or processed further to make tablets or granules.

Global Production

As the demand for spirulina continues to surge, numerous companies across the globe are stepping up their production, collectively generating a staggering 3,000 tons per year.

Key Vocabulary

Term	Definition	Example Usage
Spirulina	A type of algae considered a superfood due to its high nutritional value.	Spirulina is added to smoothies for its health benefits.
Photobioreactors	Closed systems used for cultivating microorganisms, such as spirulina, under controlled conditions.	Photobioreactors are used in spirulina production to control temperature and pH levels.
Open Ponds	Shallow artificial bodies of water used for spirulina cultivation under controlled conditions.	Spirulina is often cultivated in open ponds due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Centrifugation	A process used to separate spirulina biomass from the culture medium through spinning.	Centrifugation is a common method for harvesting spirulina in large-scale production.
Dehydration	The process of removing water from spirulina to preserve it and enhance its shelf life.	Dehydration is a critical step in spirulina production to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.
Biomass	The total amount of living matter in a given area or volume, in this case, spirulina.	The spirulina biomass is concentrated and processed into various products.
Cultivation	The process of growing spirulina under controlled conditions to optimize its growth and quality.	Spirulina cultivation requires careful management of temperature, pH, and nutrient levels.
Harvesting	The process of collecting spirulina biomass from the cultivation system.	Harvesting methods for spirulina vary depending on the cultivation system used.
Superfood	A food rich in nutrients and considered beneficial for health and well-being.	Spirulina is often referred to as a superfood due to its high content of antioxidants and minerals.
Granules	Small particles of spirulina that have been processed into a convenient form for consumption.	Spirulina granules can be easily added to food or drinks for a nutritional boost.

Watch The Video

Superfood MEGA Factory: How Spirulina is Made

Vocabulary Quiz

1. Which word means ‘a substance that is added to something in order to improve its quality or make it more effective’ in the context of spirulina cultivation?

A) Biomass
B) Photobioreactor
C) Nutrient
D) Superfood

2. What is the term for the process of using a machine to separate the spirulina from the culture medium in open ponds?

A) Filtration
B) Centrifugation
C) Dehydration
D) Harvesting

3. Which term refers to the process of removing water from the spirulina biomass to create a paste or slurry?

A) Concentration
B) Dehydration
C) Drying
D) Harvesting

4. What is the term for the devices used to cultivate spirulina in a controlled environment, as an alternative to open ponds?

A) Open ponds
B) Photobioreactors
C) Filtration systems
D) Centrifugation machines

5. Which word means ‘a substance that prevents or slows down the oxidation of other substances’ in the context of the finished spirulina product?

A) Mineral
B) Antioxidant
C) Superfood
D) Biomass

Answer Key:

1. C
2. B
3. B
4. B
5. B

Grammar Focus

Grammar Focus: Using the Present Simple and Present Continuous Tenses to Describe Processes

The present simple and present continuous tenses are used to describe processes and actions that are happening now or are generally true. In the context of the spirulina production process, the present simple tense is used to describe general or habitual actions, such as “Spirulina is typically cultivated in controlled environments” or “Companies worldwide produce 3,000 tons annually.” On the other hand, the present continuous tense is not as commonly used in this text, but it can be used to describe actions that are currently in progress, such as “Spirulina is being harvested using filtration systems.” The choice between these two tenses depends on the context and the intended meaning. For example, “Spirulina is grown under controlled conditions” (present simple) implies a general or habitual action, whereas “Spirulina is being grown under controlled conditions” (present continuous) implies an action that is currently in progress.

Grammar Quiz:

Choose the correct sentence to complete the paragraph:

Spirulina ____________________ in controlled environments, such as open ponds or closed photobioreactors.

is typically grow
are typically cultivated
is typically cultivated
are typically growing

The demand for spirulina ____________________ , and numerous companies are stepping up their production.

is surging
surge
has surged
will surge

Companies worldwide ____________________ 3,000 tons of spirulina annually to meet the soaring demand.

produce
are producing
have produced
will produce

Spirulina ____________________ using filtration systems or centrifugation to separate the biomass from the culture medium.

is harvested
are harvested
harvest
will be harvested

The finished product, rich in antioxidants and minerals, ____________________ after a tiring and tedious process of dehydration.

is ready
are ready
will be ready
has been ready

Answer Key:

Spirulina is typically cultivated in controlled environments, such as open ponds or closed photobioreactors.
The demand for spirulina is surging, and numerous companies are stepping up their production.
Companies worldwide produce 3,000 tons of spirulina annually to meet the soaring demand.
Spirulina is harvested using filtration systems or centrifugation to separate the biomass from the culture medium.
The finished product, rich in antioxidants and minerals, is ready after a tiring and tedious process of dehydration.