Chlorella

Chlorella is a genus of single-celled green algae in the family Oocystaceae, living in fresh water and soils. Cultivated commercially in controlled ponds and photobioreactors, it is sold as a nutrient-dense supplement and food ingredient, valued for protein, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals. Food technologists use dried chlorella powder in smoothies, snacks, noodles, and functional foods, where its strong green colour and grassy taste must be balanced against consumer acceptance. Quality control checks for heavy metals and microcystin contamination are essential, since open-pond algae can accumulate environmental pollutants if cultivation is not carefully managed.