3 Easy Recipes Featuring Blue-Green Algae
We’re all about making supremely nutritious recipes that are delicious at the same time. Smoothies and parfaits make the perfect plant-based breakfast or snack — they’re portable, nourishing, easy to digest, and the perfect vehicle for just about any ingredient. On its own, blue-green algae has a rather strong marine flavor. But in a dessert-like blend with fruits and other goodies, it’s barely detectable. We also love adding our Organic Blue-Green Algae powder as the “green” in our green smoothie, without needing handfuls of spinach or kale.
The Benefits of Blue-Green Algae
Officially known as Aphanizomenon flos-aquae or AFA, blue-green algae is one of nature’s most regenerative food sources. It grows naturally in the mineral-rich waters of Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon. This unique growing environment endows AFA with valuable properties not found in any other species.
Because Klamath Lake rests in an ancient, mineral-rich volcanic bed, it’s a superior source of naturally occurring nutrients. This makes AFA one of the most balanced and complete sources of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, nucleic acids, essential fatty acids, phytonutrients, and antioxidants on the planet - definitely what we’d call a superfood. AFA is most well-known and studied for its unique peptides and phycocyanin content. Peptides (short chains of amino acids) help boost mental clarity and concentration, while phycocyanin is an antioxidant powerhouse that gives blue-green algae its shimmering mermaid color.
Unfortunately, not all algae powders are created equal. From contaminated sources to destructive processing, these toxic ingredients are more harmful than healthful. That’s why we protect the purity and potency of our organic blue-green algae by harvesting exclusively from the pristine natural environment of Upper Klamath Lake. Sustainably harvested, passed through multiple filtration steps, gently dried, and rigorously tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants, our ultra-pure blue-green algae is then vacuum-packed for optimal nutrient retention.
While we also offer our Organic Blue-Green Algae in capsule form for that on-the-go energy boost with a simple glass of water, adding the powder to your breakfast or snack game can really kick things up a notch. Pleasing to the eyes and tastebuds, portable, plant-based, and powerfully good for you – give these recipes a whirl!
Blue-Green Smoothie
Quick and easy, this is our go-to blue-green algae smoothie. Its rich green color speaks to its wealth of wellness. The base of banana and mango pairs brilliantly with the cucumber and blue-green algae powder. Make it your delicious daily go-to, too!
Makes One Serving:
1 ripe frozen banana
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1 1/2 - 2 cups non-dairy milk of choice (we like almond)
1/2 cup English cucumber, chopped (about ½ of a medium sized cucumber)
1 - 2 tsp Organic Blue-Green Algae powder
1- 2 Medjool dates, pitted
Place all ingredients into a blender and blend on high until smooth.
If consistency is too thick, then add water or more milk. Serve immediately — enjoy!
Blue-Green Algae Chia Parfait
Who doesn’t love a parfait, with those beautiful layers of goodness? This one melds the benefits of chia seeds with the prowess of blue-green algae. Chia seeds are a great source of soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids — giving you extra support for healthy digestion and glowing skin. This nutritious treat feel likes an indulgence that completely fits the occasion as a superfood dessert. Dive in!
Makes 2 - 3 Servings:
2 cups almond milk (or your milk of choice)
1/2 cup organic chia seeds
1 - 2 tsp Organic Blue-Green Algae powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 – 1 tbsp raw honey (or to taste)
1 cup Greek yogurt or coconut milk yogurt
Topping ideas: Fruit, granola, seeds, nut butter, & coconut flakes
Blend all ingredients (minus the yogurt) together in your high-speed blender until smooth. Taste and add more honey for desired sweetness. Allow the chia pudding mixture to thicken in the refrigerator for up to an hour (or chill overnight for best results).
Layer the chia pudding in a glass and alternate with layers of your yogurt of choice to create your parfait. Top with your choice of fruits, superfoods, or nut butters for the perfect parfait treat.
Blue-Green Smoothie Bowl
Smoothie bowls are like smoothies with pizzazz. Bananas serve as a typical creamy base, but blue-green algae powder elevates this smoothie bowl to a whole new level of awesome. Then we’ve added pecans and hemp seeds for added protein and fiber plus cacao nibs—both nestled within the bowl and sprinkled on top - because chocolate just takes everything over the top. Complete the party with your topping choices, and be bowled over with nourishment.
Makes One Serving:
2 ripe frozen bananas
1/4 - 1 cup almond milk (as needed to assist blending)
10 - 15 raw pecans
2 tbsp hemp seeds (plus more for garnish)
1 tbsp cacao nibs (plus more for a garnish)
2 tsp Organic Blue-Green Algae powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 - 2 Medjool dates, pitted
Topping ideas: Fruit, granola, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes
Place all ingredients except for almond milk in a high-speed blender. Start with ¼ cup of milk and add more gradually until the mixture is completely smooth and thick. Pour into bowl and top as desired.
