Algae is typically dried and process after harvesting in order to preserve its nutrients and prepare it for sale or further use. For microalgae, dewatering is often the first step, using centrifuges, presses, or filters to remove most of the water. The concentrated algae paste can then be dried using techniques such as spray drying, freeze drying, or sun drying, depending on the desired quality.
Spray drying is fast and effective for powdered products, while freeze drying preserves sensitive compounds like pigments or omega-3 oils. Macroalgae is usually rinsed and then either air-dried, sun-dried, or dried using low-temperature ovens. Once dried, algae can be milled into powder, pressed into tablets, or processed into extracts, oils, or other specialized products.
