Superfood for a world in crisis: Spirulina at low cost

Introduction: Spirulina is a microalgae that contains a high protein, essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. It is an ideal culture for desert and even where water is alkaline Multiplication is easy and economical to produce. It is considered a superfood. Is consumed by Olympic level athletes and is the food of the astronauts. Sixty grams are enough to feed one person per day, with 10 grams daily can survive. The aim of this paper is to give the information to be cultivated in rural areas, as a food supplement. Material and Methods: We worked with the strain Spirulina Platensis, in a pilot plant near Arica, North of Chile, in open pond system in a greenhouse facility, with low power electromechanical shakers. Results and conclusions: The responses showed average daily production from 3 g/m² in autumn-winter to 4 g/m² in spring-summer, with a production cost below US$ 7/kg, half of the cost of beef from the highest quality. We conclude that cultivation is recommended for residents of rural areas.