Blue smoothies, colorful baked goods and exciting desserts – what is the mysterious ingredient that makes it all possible? Is there really such a thing as a 100% natural blue food coloring that, as a bonus, also has a high nutritional value and exciting taste? Yes, there is! Thanks to blue spirulina, you can now give up food colors full of synthetic ingredients and still enjoy exciting desserts and blue smoothies that make your heart race! But what’s the secret of blue spirulina? Let’s take a closer look at the mighty algae!
Blue spirulina is a natural blue food coloring
Blue spirulina is a pigment, phycocyanin, extracted from the green algae spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), which grows in lakes, springs and ponds. It is a very rare pigment found only in spirulina and a few other blue-green algae species. Other green plants such as chlorella, wheat and barley grass do not contain phycocyanin. Phycocyanin gives spirulina its slightly bluish hue. Due to its strong pigmentation, phycocyanin also acts as a natural blue food coloring. However, in addition to its beautiful pigmentation, phycocyanin also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and a rich antioxidant content, which makes blue spirulina not only an attractive colorant but also a truly nutritious superfood, perfect for supporting your health and preparing delicious dishes without the addition of chemicals. Blue smoothie is the new green!
What are the health benefits of spirulina?
Blue spirulina is packed with vitamins A, B12, K1, K2 and is also rich in minerals such as iron and manganese. In addition, blue spirulina is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients such as carotenoids and superoxide dismutase, or SOD, and the beneficial linoleic acid, or GLA. Blue spirulina thus helps to strengthen the immune system, supports cell and cardiovascular health. Blue spirulina also increases energy and performance thanks to its high vitamin B content, takes care of the intestinal tract by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, helps prevent overeating and flushes out accumulated toxins and heavy metals. Prepare yourself a blue smoothie in the morning and your body will thank you!
How is blue spirulina different from green?
You are probably familiar with green spirulina because of its rather intense flavor, which can take some time and patience to get used to. Blue spirulina is a different story! Blue spirulina powder has been stripped of the fishy flavor of green spirulina, while still retaining all the goodness and benefits. If you have tried adding green spirulina to a smoothie and didn’t like the taste, it’s definitely worth giving blue spirulina a try! By using blue spirulina in smoothies, you get an earthy and truly delicious blue smoothie without a single ounce of that unfamiliar fishy taste and smell!
Blue spirulina is an excellent source of plant protein
Blue spirulina is a well-deserved superfood because, in addition to its super high nutritional value and antioxidant content, it is also rich in protein, has more calcium than milk and many times more beta-carotene than carrots! This is why, in addition to making blue smoothie bowls, blue spirulina is also ideal for post-workout protein shakes – for example, containing 50-70% of high quality, highly absorbable plant protein, for a total of 39.4g per 100g. Simply add 1-2 teaspoons of blue spirulina powder to water, juice or smoothie and you have a complete protein drink.
How to use blue spirulina?
Blue spirulina’s beautiful blue color and high nutritional value make it a valuable addition to smoothies, raw porridges, desserts, bars and baked goods. In essence, blue spirulina can be used to add color to any food – just let your imagination run wild! However, as blue spirulina is heat-sensitive, it is best not to process it at high temperatures to preserve its nutritional value, otherwise its beneficial properties will be lost. When used at very high heat, blue spirulina may also lose some of its bright color and fade slightly, becoming less prominent. However, if you really wish to bake striped bread or an interestingly colored biscuit, you can still mix blue spirulina into the dough, but bear in mind that the nutritional value will not be quite the same as for uncooked foods. However, if you want to make a delicious and healthy blue smoothie, a colorful dessert or an exciting cocktail, blue spirulina is the perfect choice! If you want a purple hue, mix in some pink or red with the blue spirulina, for example, freeze-dried pink pitaya powder is just perfect for that!
RECIPE CORNER: exciting recipes with blue spirulina
To get started, we have some great recipes for you!
Blue smoothie with spirulina
You need:
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1 cup of coconut water or plant milk.
- 1-2 tsp Centralsun’s blue spirulina
Instructions: Place all the ingredients in a blender and process until the texture is silky smooth. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and garnish with whatever you like.
Blue chia pudding with blue spirulina
You need:
- ½ cup of chia seeds
- 2 tsp Centralsun’s blue spirulina
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 50 ml full fat coconut milk
- 300 ml almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ( optional)
- berries of your choice (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions: Mix chia seeds with almond milk, spirulina, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir thoroughly, then refrigerate for a few hours. When the pudding is ready, whip the coconut cream and place the dessert in layers in a goblet. Serve with berries, if you wish. Enjoy!
Smoothie bowl with blue spirulina
You need:
- 2 frozen bananas
- handful of frozen mango cubes
- ½ cup of coconut water
- 1/2 cup coconut chips
- 2 tsp Centralsun’s blue spirulina
Instructions: Place the frozen bananas in a blender and add mango cubes, spirulina, and coconut water. Process until the texture is smooth and creamy. Then pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl of your choice (such as a coconut bowl), garnish with berries and coconut chips of your choice.
To sum up
If you are feeling like your daily routine is missing a bright blue smoothie, delicious colorful desserts, or you are looking for a post-workout pick-me-up, then blue spirulina is your go-to choice!
Find out more and get your blue spirulina HERE!
PS! Centralsun’s blue spirulina is 100% pure and vegan. Free of added sugars, gluten and GMOs.