How to Make Powdered Algae

Algae is used in the production of a variety of different products ranging from nutrition supplements to biofuel. Powdered algae has some distinct advantages over its hydrated raw form, such as: it weighs less, is easier to store and transport, and has a longer shelf life than raw algae. For those hoping to use algae as a nutritional supplement, powdered algae is thought to be better for cooking and simpler to put into gel capsules.

Things You'll Need

• Algae specimen
• Cookie sheet
• Mortal and Pestle

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a live algae specimen from a retailer. Retailers of live algae can be hard to come by, but fortunately some universities and independent laboratories sell specimens to the general public (see Resources).

• 2

  Dry out your live algae specimen by spreading it in a thin layer on a sterile shallow cooking sheet and placing it in a warm dry area overnight.

• 3

  Collect the dehydrated algae and place it in your mortar.

• 4

  Break up the dried algae into a fine powder with the pestle.