Surely you saw her around. Spirulina is everywhere: in green milkshakes, in rare capsules and even in people’s Instagram stories.
But what exactly and how do you eat? Here we tell you everything.
About spirulina
What is spirulina? (And why is not exactly an algae)
Let’s start at the beginning. Although everyone calls it “spirulina algae”, it is actually a cianobacteriawhich is a type of bacteria that performs photosynthesis. Yes, like plants. That is why it has that intense and characteristic green-red and characteristic color.
It grows naturally in freshwater lakes in warm climates and its use is no novelty. It is said that the Aztecs already ate it centuries ago. So passenger fashion has nothing!
It was also studied by NASA as a possible food for astronauts in space missions. Yes, the same spirulina you can throw in your banana smoothie could end on Mars.
How to take Spirulina: Powder vs. In pills
Spirulina is mainly achieved in two formats: dust or pills. The choice depends on what you want to do with it.
- Spirulina powder: It is the most used to cook. It has an intense flavor, half a newly cut sea, so it is better mixed with other ingredients. You can add it to milkshakes, juices, soups or even the mass of bread or pasta to give them a radioactive green color worthy of Hulk.
- Spirulina in pills: It is more practical if you do not like taste or you just don’t want to walk measuring teaspoons. It is taken with water, like any supplement, and you can carry it in the wallet as if they were very little tempting green candies.
For the kitchen, without a doubt, the best is the format of Spirulina powder. It lets you play with the amounts and paint your favorite recipes green.
How to use spirulina in the kitchen?
This is where the magic of the kitchen enters. Although its flavor can be strong, the key is to start with little quantity, half a teaspoon, and integrate it into preparations that already have powerful flavors.
(Don’t try to eat it in tablespoons)
Spirulina shakes: the easiest way to consume it
This is the easiest and most popular way to consume spirulina. Its flavor is perfectly camouflaged with fruits and vegetables. You can add a teaspoon to almost any combination. If you dare to try, it is a great ingredient to add to our shakes and liquefied section.
A classic example is a green shake with spinach, banana, apple, a little ginger and a teaspoon of spirulina. The sweetness of the fruit balances the taste of the algae.
Soups and creams with spirulina: flavor and color in your dishes
Spirulina can also give a special touch and a special color to cold soups such as gazpacho or vegetable creams. Add it to the end of cooking so as not to lose its properties. A squash cream with a spirulina swirl is spectacular.
Do you want to take your salads to another level? Try mixing half a teaspoon of spirulina powder with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and a pinch of honey. There is an emerald green dressing, perfect for your favorite salads.
3 creative ideas with spirulina
- An electric hummus: Add a teaspoon to your homemade hummus recipe for an original color and different flavor.
- Energy Balls: Datile mixture, oatmeal, nuts and a pinch of spirulina = super easy green snack.
- In the mass of pancakes or crepes: For a green and very original breakfast or snack.
What you should know about spirulina first
Eye here with a detail that is important, always make sure Buy Spirulina in places of trust. Because if it occurs in contaminated waters you can drag things that nobody wants on your plate (heavy metals, rare bacteria, etc.). So better and for doubts always make sure you choose a good supplier.
Although spirulina is safe for most people, There are some precautions to take into account that we are not going to detail here because this is a simple kitchen blog.
As always, in doubt, it is best to consult with a health professional.
Frequent questions about spirulina
Here we respond to some of the most common doubts that arise about this superfood.
What amount of spirulina can be used?
There is no universal rule, but the most common is to start with half a teaspoon and see how you get with the taste.
Does the spirulina lose weight?
No, friend, there are no magical potions. What yes: you can add color and originality to your food. Landy or not depend more about whether you nail a pizza later.
What does WHO say about spirulina?
It is said that WHO has described it as a “food of interest.” What is clear is that it awakens a lot of curiosity throughout the world.
And beware of the fact that she is a candidate to feed astronauts in space. Quiet, nothing less. So if you add it to your recipes, we could technically say that you are eating as in the space station.
Now, to be encouraged to try it, here we leave you a super easy recipe for a green shake. It is a perfect way to start incorporating spirulina in your day to day.
If you liked this recipe, look more ideas on Instagram
And on YouTube that there are new recipes every week
Spirulina Green Mobading Recipe
Yield: 1 vaso
Preparation time: 5 min
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (if frozen, better)
- 1 large handful of fresh spinach
- 1/2 green apple
- 1 cdta. Spirulina powder
- 1 Trocito of fresh ginger (the size of a nail)
- 200 ml of water or vegetable milk
- Optional: a teaspoon of honey or arce syrup for a sweeter shake
How to make green beaten with spirulina step by step
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash spinach and apple well. Cut the apple into pieces, with or without shell. Peel the ginger piece and cut the banana into slices.
- To the blender: Place all the ingredients in the blender glass (blender): banana, spinach, apple, ginger, spirulina and liquid.
- Battery: Process maximum power until a soft and homogeneous mixture, without lumps. If it is very thick, you can add a little more water or vegetable milk.
- Try and serve: Try the shake and, if necessary, add the optional sweetener. Serve immediately.
Source: www.paulinacocina.net
