Spirulina - A farm in California, Summer 2019 GRØN's journey through ingredients -
In June 2019, GRØN traveled to California to visit the growers of the spirulina used in our Green Monster protein blend .
It's about a six-hour drive from Los Angeles.
An incredible number of wind turbines were built to generate electricity, taking advantage of the terrain where strong winds blow all year round.
After passing through Joshua Tree National Park, where strangely shaped Joshua trees stretch out as far as the eye can see, and other scenery never seen in Japan, we arrived at a town near the Mexican border where we came across a vast spirulina farm.
Spirulina is a type of hardy algae that first appeared on Earth about 3 billion years ago.
It is believed to be an organism that emerged before plants and animals differentiated, and is said to be an extremely rare organism that possesses characteristics of both animals and plants.
It is said to be the "king of superfoods" because of its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and protein, and is also used as space food by NASA.
The greatest feature of spirulina is its well-balanced nutrition.
In addition to vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that produce protein, it contains more than 50 health and nutritional ingredients, including dietary fiber, polysaccharides, and unsaturated fatty acids.
Spirulina is rich in phytochemicals such as chlorophyll, beta-carotene, and phycocyanin, which not only promotes health but also beauty.
The reason flamingos appear pink is actually because of the spirulina they eat.
Spirulina is often used to enhance the lustre of the coat of racehorses and to make the patterns of koi carp more distinct, among other things, in relation to animals that are associated with a "beautiful" image.
Another important point to consider when using spirulina is the growing environment.
It is said that the following three elements are necessary for Spirulina to grow:
・Highly alkaline lake ・Strong sunlight ・Water temperature 30-35 degrees
A major characteristic of these fish is that as they grow, they are extremely effective at absorbing the nutrients contained in water, trapping both harmful and beneficial substances in their bodies.
A clean natural environment and plenty of sunlight.
The spirulina we use is born in an ideal environment, with abundant water and the necessary infrastructure for facilities.
Spirulina is grown on land stretching as far as the eye can see and bathed in the California sunshine.
GRØN's protein blend - Green Monster - is generously made with nutritious superfoods grown in harsh yet fertile soil.
<GRØN products that use the material>
Protein Blend Green Monster 20g / 320 yen (excluding tax)
Photos by Moeko Sawada