Spirulina is a food with multiple beneficial properties.
Spirulina is similar to an alga, but it is not scientifically this kind of living creature. In fact, it is neither an aquatic plant nor an alga, but a unicellular creature, which behaves like a plant, performs chlorophyll photosynthesis and feeds on substances contained in water. However, being much smaller than a a plant or a seaweed and being single-celled, has a absolutely singular body, characterized by a typical spiral shape, from which it takes its name (a body effectively not comparable to an alga or a plant).
A microscopic image
SUPERFOOD
Known since ancient times, Spirulina is today indicated by FAO as the food of the future. Now, in Sant’Ilario dello Jonio, in the province of Reggio Calabria, the first Calabrian plantation that produces it is already active.
This food of the future, a Superfood, according to the experts of FAO, has all the characteristics of a vegetable origin food with a high content of antioxidants, proteins, omega-3, minerals, fibersor other essential nutrients with proven beneficial health effects.
Sant’Ilario dello Ionio
Thus,
having these multiple nutritional and therapeutic properties thanks to the
substances it contains, it was known since ancient times by the tropical
populations that fed on it because it is considered an excellent supplement.
Further,
Spirulina contains:
– high quality biological proteins of high quality;
– essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and omega 6, which counteract cholesterol and triglyceride levels;
– carbohydrates including rhamnose and glycogen;
– vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K and B vitamins;
– mineral salts such as iron, sodium, magnesium, manganese, calcium, iodine and potassium.
The final product
NUTRACEUTICAL FEATURES
Many
are the nutraceutical benefits:
– it reduces the sense of hunger thanks to the phenylalanine content which by acting at the level of the nervous system induces the sense of satiety,
– prevents the damage of aging, favoring memory and concentration;
– the presence of essential fatty acids of the omega 3 and omega 6 series has a decisive role in reducing cardiovascular risk.
– can be used in the kitchen, but also in cosmetics.
Diamante is the largest open-air museum in Italy and among the largest in the world. The local fish specialties are excellent, such as the well known “rosamarina”, delicious fritters made with “bianchetto”, a very tiny young fish specimens.
However,
today we are talking about any more delicious fritters of… “green
alga” commonly called Sea Lettuce, typical of local cuisine in Diamante.
The alga,
which has as botanical name Ulva Lactuca, is a sea lettuce, and among the algae
is one of the best known species, it is the richest in chlorophyll and is the
one that comes closest to terrestrial plants. It is very widespread throughout
the Mediterranean, especially the Tyrrhenian side of Mediterranean sea.
THE INGREDIENT: ALGA OF DIAMANTE
The structure of this alga is lamellar and bi-stratified, translucent, thin with a maximum height of 30 cm and fixed to a helical shaped peduncle. It grows on substrates of rocky nature, from tidal areas up to a maximum of about 10 meters deep.
A green, vegan treasure
This kind
of Alga in Diamante is a seaweed particularly rich in calcium (30 times more
than milk), magnesium and minerals, essential substances for the body. It is a
must of Vegan food and a beautiful element for dishes design.
The
beautiful bright green leaf, although thin, is rather resistant. This makes it
versatile in use, being able to be prepared directly raw but also cooked. Sea
Lettuce has an intense aroma but an extremely delicate taste. It is suitable
for preparing colorful salads, tasty toppings and to garnish any dish.
In
Diamante, it is the main ingredient for preparing seaweed fritters or the so
called sea “zeppole”.
Preparing
by means of such zeppole a delicious appetizer or an aperitif is easy, the most
common recipe is a kind of small fritter, made with a simple batter based on
water, flour and brewer’s yeast, flavored with seaweed, fresh or dried.
THE RECIPE OF “ZEPPOLE” OF GREEN ALGA
Ingredients
for about 20 fritters:
300
g of flour
250
g of water
12
g of yeast (half a cube)
2
sockets of salt
a
handful of algae
3
teaspoons of sweet paprika
half
a teaspoon of pepper
a
pinch of nutmeg
2
tablespoons of chives
peanut
oil for frying
The Landscape of Calabrian Cuisine
To the general receipe can be added ingredients, such as paprika, pepper, nutmeg and chives, which give the fritters a more marked color and a stronger flavor. You, of course, can choose to not add such spices: they will be delicious anyway!
Preparation:
Pour
the lukewarm water into a bowl, add the yeast and mix it until it is completely
melted, add the sieved flour and mix with a whisk until you get a rather slow
batter.
Put
the algae (only if you have bought the dried algae) in a bowl with hot water,
let them revive for 4-5 minutes, then squeeze and cut them into small pieces.
A QUICK LOOK AT DIAMANTE: THE LOCATION
Turning in the alleys of the seaside village, crossing the narrow streets and passing through the wide squares, the art strikes the eyes of the tourists, immediately. Namely, the walls down the streets are covered with fascinating murals, over 150 works of art painted on the walls of the historic center and of the Cirella hamlet, built starting from 1981 by painters and artists of international renown. The largest mural is found in the square in front of the town, it reaches 50 meters and tells the story of the town.
The Island of Cirella
As soon as you enter the town, you
will come across the Lungomare di Diamante, also called Lungomare nuovo, where you
can take a pleasant walk enjoying the view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, while
enjoying an ice cream or drinking a fresh granita, or you can stop in the ‘wide
beach made of pebbles and pebbles, equipped with several bathing
establishments.
Continuing towards the old part, you
meet the second waterfront, called Lungomare vecchio, or “living room of
Diamante”, from here you can observe the whole coast, which in the evening
is illuminated by fishermen’s boats with their lamps. In the southern part of
the promenade there is then a huge diamond made of stone, symbol of the city.
The Beach “of the shark” (so called “spiaggia dello
squalo”) is very popular and is located in the heart of the historic
center. Although it is not very large, it is the most characteristic, as it
allows you to enjoy a splendid view of the island called “Cirella” and of the
old town, at the same time.
Take a walk in the seaside!
After so much sea, in a blink of an eye you pass to a green mountain landscape, thanks to La Valva Park, located along the last stretch of the valley where the Corvino river flows. Here it is possible to indulge in long walks, or picnics immersed in the greenery, but also stopping in the tennis courts, volleyball, bowling and soccer fields.
The renowned Chili Pepper Academy is
also located in the park.
Come in Diamante, Calabria, and the Mediterranean
seaside will welcome you, together with its wonderful diet, allowing you to
taste that vegan jewel, so called “Zeppole” of Green Alga!
