If you haven't tried fresh frozen spirulina however, you're seriously missing out on the particular easiest way in order to upgrade your daily nutrition without dealing with that weird, swampy taste associated with the powdered things. Most of us have tried the dried green powder at some point, likely hiding it behind layers associated with frozen berries and peanut butter just to get this down. But the particular frozen version? It's a completely various ballgame.
For your longest time, I believed spirulina was just something you got to endure mainly because it was "good for you. " Then I found out that the fresh, raw, frozen edition exists. It's moderate, it's creamy, and it doesn't smell like an aged fish tank. If you're looking for a boost but happen to be traumatized simply by the smell associated with green powders, this might be exactly what you need.
Why is Fresh Frozen Spirulina Different?
Whenever we talk about spirulina, we're talking regarding a type associated with blue-green algae. Within its natural state, it's a living, nutrient-dense organism. However, to make the natural powder the thing is on shop shelves, that algae has to go through a pretty extreme drying process. Usually, it's spray-dried at high temperatures, which can kill away from some of the particular delicate enzymes and vitamins. Plus, the oxidation that occurs during drying is what gives the powder that notorious "fishy" odor.
Fresh frozen spirulina skips all of that. It's harvested plus immediately flash-frozen directly into small cubes or pods. Because it isn't dried out, it retains its cellular structure plus all those "live" nutrients. The result is really a product that will is basically tasteless. You can drop a cube into a glass of orange juice or the smoothie, and you won't even understand it's there—other compared to the fact that your drink is usually now a delightful, deep emerald green.
The Nutrient Impact You're Actually Obtaining
Everybody knows spirulina is a "superfood, " but exactly what does that actually suggest in the practical sense? When you use the fresh frozen version, you're getting a massive strike of bioavailable nutrition.
Very first off, there's phycocyanin . This is the pigment that provides spirulina its blue-green hue, and it's a powerhouse antioxidant. It's been studied for its ability to support the immune system and combat inflammation. When spirulina is dried directly into powder, phycocyanin ranges can drop, yet in the frozen form, it stays potent.
After that you've got the protein. It's outrageous to think around, but spirulina will be about 60% to 70% protein simply by weight. While you're probably not eating enough of this to replace the steak, those small frozen cubes include a nice amino acid boost to your morning. It's furthermore one of the particular few plant resources of B12, though there's some debate on how much humans actually absorb. Regardless, it's loaded with iron, which usually is a large win for anybody on a plant-based diet who continuously feels a little sluggish.
Precisely why the Taste Change Issues
Let's end up being real: if some thing tastes like dirt, most of us aren't heading to stay with it regarding long. The biggest buffer to entry intended for spirulina has long been the particular flavor profile. Powdered spirulina is an acquired taste, to place it politely. It's intense.
Fresh frozen spirulina is different mainly because it's raw. Whenever the algae is definitely kept in its living state plus then frozen, the cell walls remain intact. This stops the release from the compounds that generate that "ocean" odor.
I've started putting the cube in our morning water with a squeeze of lemon. If I actually tried that with powder, I'd end up being gagging. With the frozen version, it just seems like I'm drinking very cold, somewhat thicker water. It's refreshing, also it doesn't ruin my palate for the rest of the morning.
How to Include It Into Your Routine
A person don't need in order to be a kitchen area wizard to make use of fresh frozen spirulina . It usually arrives in convenient small blister packs or pre-cut cubes. Right here are a several ways I've discovered it works very best:
The Common Smoothie
This is actually the easiest way. Simply toss a cube into your blender with a banana, a few almond milk, plus maybe some mango. The frozen spirulina acts almost such as a little ice cube, and it also blends flawlessly. Unlike the powder, it doesn't clump up or depart a gritty consistency at the end of the particular glass.
The "Green" Juice Hack
If you're someone who purchases those expensive $10 green juices from your deli, you can save a ton of money by just purchasing plain apple or orange juice and dropping a frozen spirulina pod in it. Give it the stir as this melts, and you've got a nutrient-dense drink for any small percentage of the price.
In Your Morning Oats
It sounds a little strange, but mainly because it's tasteless, you can stir a melted cube into your oatmeal. It transforms your breakfast the crazy shade of green, which may be fun when you have kids (or when you're just a big kid yourself), plus it adds a nutritional kick to a bowl of carbs.
Could it be Worth the particular Extra Cost?
I'll be honest with you— fresh frozen spirulina is usually more costly compared to big tubs of powder you find at the health supplement store. You're having to pay for the cold-chain logistics. It has to stay frozen from the farm to your freezer, which usually isn't cheap.
But here's could look at this: a $20 handbag of powder that will sits at the back of our cabinet because I hate the flavor is the waste of $20. A more costly bag of frozen cubes which i in fact use every single day is a better investment within my health.
When you buy frozen, you're also generally helping smaller, more specific farms. High-quality spirulina needs clean, alkaline water and plenty of sunlight. The particular brands that produce the frozen edition tend to end up being more transparent regarding their water resources and testing with regard to heavy metals, which is something you certainly want to keep an eye on when eating algae.
What to Look For When Purchasing
If you're ready to give this a shot, generally there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, check out the packaging. You need to make sure it hasn't thawed and refrozen, which a person can usually inform if the cubes look messy or if there's the lot of "ice snow" inside the particular bag.
The particular ingredient list need to be incredibly short: just spirulina. Probably some water. In case you see additives or preservatives, skip this. The whole point of fresh frozen spirulina is usually that it's the raw, whole foods.
Furthermore, consider the portion size. Some brands make big pieces that are much better for the family-sized food blender, while others make tiny "gems" that are perfect for a single glass of water. Think about just how you'll actually make use of it so that you don't end up having to hack a large frozen block apart using a kitchen knife every morning.
A fast Warning About the Color
One thing no one tells you regarding fresh frozen spirulina is that the pigment will be incredibly strong. It's a natural dye, after all. If you drop a cube on a white countertop and let it melt, you're going to be scrubbing that will spot for the while.
I've learned the hard way to retain it away from my favorite whitened t-shirts. If you're blending it, make sure the lid is on tight. If you're stirring it in to a drink, do it over the sink. It's a little price in order to pay for the health benefits, but it's definitely something to be aware of if you're a messy cook.
Final Thoughts
After switching to fresh frozen spirulina has honestly transformed my morning schedule for your better. We no more dread my "green drink, " and am feel like I'm actually obtaining the energy increase that the dietary supplement labels always guarantee.
It's among those rare health trends that really lives to the buzz because it resolves the biggest issue with the initial item: the "ick" aspect. If you would like more iron, more antioxidants, and the better method to begin your day, proceed check the freezer portion of your nearby health super market. Your taste buds (and your body) will be glad.