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 We do not publish a different picture with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.
