Microalgae

Question 1

What are edible microalgae also known as?

Answer 1

Phytoplankton — mostly freshwater, single-celled photosynthesising algae or bacteria.

Question 2

What are the three main types of edible microalgae?

Answer 2

Blue-Green algae: freshwater Cyanobacteria (not an algae) Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) — wild blue-green algae.

Spirulina : Blue-green, spiral-shaped Cyanobacteria.

Chlorella: Single-celled, freshwater green algae.

Question 3

Are blue-green algae true algae?

Answer 3

No — they are Cyanobacteria, not technically algae.

Question 4

What are the energetic properties of edible microalgae?

Answer 4

Cooling and moistening — helps address dryness and heat.

Question 5

What is the protein content of edible microalgae?

Answer 5

50–70% complete protein, containing all essential amino acids.

Question 6

What nutrient is particularly abundant in all edible microalgae?

Answer 6

Chlorophyll — they are rich in this green pigment.

Question 7

Which microalga is an excellent source of bioavailable vitamin B12 and vitamin D2?

Answer 7

Chlorella.

Question 8

What nutrient is notably absent in Chlorella?

Answer 8

Iodine.