3 Easy Recipes Featuring Blue-Green Algae
Smoothies and parfaits are the perfect vehicle for just about any ingredient. On its own, blue-green algae has a rather strong seaweed-y taste. But in a smoothie or parfait mixed with fruits and other goodies, it’s barely detectable. We love using blue-green algae to add the “green” to our green smoothie, without needing handfuls of spinach or kale.
Smoothies and parfaits make the perfect plant-based breakfast or snack—plus they are very portable, nourishing, and are easy on the digestion. We’re all about making supremely nutritious recipes that are creamy and delicious at the same time.
The Benefits of Blue-Green Algae
Officially known as Aphanizomenon flos-aquae or AFA, our 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 it with valuable properties not found in any other algae.
Because Klamath Lake rests in an ancient, mineral-rich volcanic bed, this algae is a superior source of naturally-occurring minerals. AFA is one of the most balanced and complete sources of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, nucleic acids, essential fatty acids, phytonutrients, and antioxidants on the planet. It’s definitely what we would call a superfood. AFA is probably most known for its peptides and phycocyanin content. The peptides help boost mental clarity and concentration, while phycocyanin is the antioxidant powerhouse that gives the algae its shimmering blue-green color.
Unfortunately, not all algae powders are created equal. We protect the purity of our blue-green algae by harvesting exclusively from the clear waters of Upper Klamath Lake. We then carefully filter and cold dry it using our proprietary technologies, test it with third-party independent laboratories for potential contaminants including microcystin, and vacuum package it for optimal nutrient retention.
While blue-green algae can also be taken in capsule form or simply mixed in water, we find these smoothie recipes really hit the spot. They're palatable, portable, plant-based, and powerfully good for you!
Blue-Green Smoothie
Quick and easy, this is our go-to blue-green algae smoothie. Its brilliant green color makes you feel healthy just looking at it. The base of banana and mango pairs brilliantly with the cucumber and blue-green algae powder — it's delicious!
Makes One Serving:
1 ripe frozen banana
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1 1/2 - 2 cups almond milk
1/2 cup English cucumber (about ½ of a medium sized cucumber)
1 - 2 tsp Organic Blue-Green Algae powder
1- 2 Medjool dates, pitted
Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
If consistency is too thick, then add water or more almond 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 also rich in omega-3 fatty acids — for healthy digestion and glowing skin. This is a nutritious, yet decadent feeling treat that completely fits the definition of a superfood dessert. Chia meets blue-green algae!
Makes 2 - 3 Servings:
2 cups almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1/2 cup 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
fruit, granola, seeds, nut butter, coconut flakes for toppings
Blend all ingredients (minus the yogurt) together in your high-speed blender. Taste and add more honey for desired sweetness. Allow the chia pudding mixture to thicken in the refrigerator for up to an hour (or for best results chill overnight).
Layer the chia pudding in a glass and alternate with a layer of your yogurt of choice (optional) to create your parfait. Top with any fruits, superfoods, nut butters for the perfect parfait treat.
Blue-Green Smoothie Bowl
Smoothie bowls are like smoothies with pizazz. Per usual, the bananas serve as the creamy base. Then we’ve added pecans and hemp seeds for some added protein and fiber. And cacao nibs—both nestled within the bowl and sprinkled on top because chocolate just makes everything taste more decadent. Last but not least, the blue-green algae powder elevates this smoothie bowl to a whole new level of awesome. Express your individuality with your topping choices, the sky’s the limit.
Makes One Serving:
2 ripe frozen bananas
1 cup almond milk (add enough to allow for ingredients to blend nicely)
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
fruit, granola, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes for toppings
Place all ingredients in blender except for the almond milk. Add the milk gradually (about 1/4 cup at a time) until the mixture is completely smooth. Add more liquid for desired consistency. Pour into bowls and garnish with cacao nibs, hemp seeds, fruit & coconut flakes.
