Arthrospira platensis
(Gomont) Geitler
Spirulina
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Description
A blue-green algae. It grows in saline and often alkaline waters. The filaments are twisted into narrow spirals. A very small algae or bacteria. It is a free-floating filament forming cyanobacteria.
Edible Uses
The algae is formed into flat greenish cakes or made into nourishing soups and thick gravies. The powdered form is used as a food supplement in drinks, protein powders, and noodles.
Traditional Uses
It is made into flat greenish cakes or made into a mourishing soup or thick gravy. The powdered form is used as a food supplement in drinks, protein powders, and noodles.
Medicinal Uses
Valued as a high-protein supplement (up to 72%), it is rich in vitamins A, B2, B12, E, H and K, and minerals including calcium, iron and niacin.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in tropical and subtropical lakes and marshy areas. It is common in Lake Chad. It can be cultivated in inland lake areas.
Where It Grows
Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central Africa, Chad, China, East Africa, Europe, India, Israel, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Niger, North America, Pakistan, Sahel, South America, Spain, Uruguay, USA, West Africa,
Notes
It has a high protein content. It can be 72%. It is high in Vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B2, B12, E, H and K, calcium, iron and niacin.
Nutrition
| Part | Moisture | kJ | kcal | Protein | Vit A | Vit C | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algae | 90.1 | — | 26 | 35.9 | 3 | 0.9 | 2.8 | 0.2 |
Synonyms
Also Known As
Die, Dihu, Dine, Tecuitlatl
References (10)
- Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 594 (As Spirulina platensis)
- Burkill, H. M., 1985, The useful plants of west tropical Africa, Vol. 5. Kew. (As Spirulina platensis)
- Dangeard, P., 1940, On a blue alga edible for man: Arthrospira platensis (Nordst.)Gomont. Actes de la Societe Lineene de Bordeaux 91:39-41 (As Spirulina platensis)
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 262 (As Spirulina platensis)
- Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 112 (As Spirulina platensis)
Show all 10 references Hide references
- Johnston, H. M., 1970, The Biological and Economic Importance of Algae, Part 3. Edible Algae of Fresh and Brackish Waters. Tuatara: Volume 18, Issue 1, July 1970 (As Spirulina platensis)
- Kiple, K.F. & Ornelas, K.C., (eds), 2000, The Cambridge World History of Food. CUP p 233 (As Spirulina platensis)
- Lee, B., 2008, Seaweed Potential as a marine vegetable. RIRDC Publication No. 08/009
- Macmillan, H.F. (Revised Barlow, H.S., et al), 1991, Tropical Planting and Gardening. Sixth edition. Malayan Nature Society. Kuala Lumpur. p 348 (As Spirulina platensis)
- Surey-Gent, S. & Morris G., 1987, Seaweed. A User's Guide. Whirret Books. London. p 139 (As Spirulina platensis)
