The picture to the left is
our one pound resealable bag of 100% afa blue green algae,
next to a glass of dissolved afa in water, and a small open
tray of dried AFA. The usual color of the powder these days is
a dark green, and it does vary a bit, sometimes displaying a
hint of turquoise. The AFA can be dried via a low temperature
air dry process, or a conveyor belt process, or using freeze
dried technologies. In each case the final output will
have some variation in appearance. We see a fine powder
come from the air and freeze dry methods, and we see tiny
crystals coming from the belt dryer. In all cases, it is
still 100% afa and is sold as "bulk" or "powder" or "flakes".
The nomenclature may vary but the product is the same.
We do not differentiate flakes, powder or bulk as different
products, only form.
The liquid in the glass is
water in which the blue green algae has been dissolved and let
to stand overnight. If you do this test with your algae, you
will see a blue color, although the intensity and hue will
vary, as each crop has minor differences. The blue color
is indicative of the phycocyanin concentration in the afa. We
do not publish a different picture with each batch. As
the phycocyanin composition will vary, so will the intensity
of the color of each batch.
Note, that the only
commercial source of AFA is from upper Klamath Lake in Oregon,
and the product is wild-crafted directly from the lake.
Because the crop of AFA grows naturally in the lake, the
composition, color and density will have a tendancy to vary
between batches, and sometimes even within the same
batch. Each algae harvesting company runs comprehensive
tests on their harvested algae to ensure it is within the
acceptable testing limits. We do not make
guarantees as to the color or slight variations in composition
or density.
We have been receiving
inquiries on using the AFA for its phycocyanin properties, to
turn liquids and food blue. Although this may be a
property of the AFA, it is not a food coloring, and the use of
AFA as such is not discussed or supported herein. Two of
the major AFA harvesters also produce an extract product which
enhances the phycocyanin concentration in the algae.
These two products are made from Spirulina and not AFA.
The picture of the blue
liquid is characteristic of the AFA powder in water - your
results may vary. If you are looking for higher
concentrations of phycocyanins take a look at Cerule's Cyactiv, or
E3Live's Blue
Majik.
