A Renegade Cowgirl

Blue Green Algae, or Cyanobacteria, are the simplest forms of algae. There are nearly 40,000 different species of algae, including seaweeds such as kelp. There are algae virtually wherever there is water; on glaciers, and even in the desert and in the air.

One species of blue green algae, called Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, called AFA, grows abundantly in the pristine waters of Upper Klamath Lake in southern Oregon. It is presumed that it began to grow here around 7000 years ago when the glaciers left a shallow lake fed by 17 aquifers, pure rivers, and streams fed by nearby Crater Lake.

The vast mineral content of Upper Klamath Lake resulted from the volcanic eruption of Mount Mazama about the same time as the lake’s formation. The yearly rains wash these volcanic minerals directly into the lake, building nutrient dense lake sediment of over 30 feet deep.

With more than 300 days of sunlight, AFA photosynthesizes in this alkaline lake and blooms four times yearly. AFA flourishes in Klamath Lake, free from the pollutants of insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and chlorinated phenyls and dioxins. These blooms of algae rise to the top of the water to gather sunshine, and then make their way to the bottom to feed on the minerals. This becomes a sort of ‘dance’ that this living plant performs every day.

AFA has developed a versatile enzyme system that better tolerates environmental extremes, resulting in an abundant amount of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. Another protective substance, glutathione molecules made from amino acids was probably Earth’s first antioxidant and used to protect primitive forms of blue green algae from the harsh environment.

To learn more about blue green algae please visit the Blue Green Cafe website.

Cher Marie

www.bluegreencafe.com