Harvesting and Processing
No matter how terrific the algae is, it can't provide you with its many benefits while it is still in the lake! This is where our commitment to the quality of the algae makes all the difference. Since its beginning in 1982, when we designed and built the first processing equipment for harvesting the algae, We have consistently chosen methods that are optimal for ensuring that all of the wonderful properties of the algae are held intact throughout the harvesting, drying, and packaging processes.
The harvesting and processing methods used to make the algae available are among the many critical factors making our algae so special. Freshwater algae is more sensitive to heat, light and rapid spoilage than its cousins, the edible seaweeds. In traditional times, some native cultures in Africa and the Americas used simple sun-drying methods to process their freshwater algae, but it is likely that a significant amount of the nutrition was lost in the process. If algae were subjected to extreme heat during harvesting and processing, much of its valuable nutrition could easily be lost. This is not a problem with our algae because of the unique care we take in harvesting and processing.
The high integrity of our products depends on a complex series of integrated processing procedures.
PRE-SCREENING:
Fresh algae is filtered out of the water with fine mesh screens.
PRIMARY SEPARATION: Primary separators remove everything suspended in the lake water. The algae is further concentrated by removing virtually all of the extracellular water.
CHILLING:
The algae is quickly chilled in the "Cool Boat" to less than 40°F.
SECONDARY SEPARATION:
Secondary separators remove any remaining extraneous materials.
FREEZING:
The algae is quickly frozen by converting into slabs at a temperature of -10°F. It is then stored at -10°F in closed containers until drying, which converts the frozen algae into a dry, stable powder.
DRYING:
To ensure the algae retains vital nutrients, all cellular water is gently removed in a low temperature environment.
The result? A semifine powder, medium to dark green in color, with a mild taste and aroma, and with virtually all of the algae's original nutrients intact.
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