Process for preserving and transforming algae by lacto-fermentation, use of the lacto-fermented juice and algae obtained according to the process

A process for transforming algae comprising the following steps:

• i) providing algae harvested from aquatic environments, frozen if necessary;
• ii) washing the algae provided according to step i) with water;
• iii) optionally, cutting or grinding the algae washed according to step ii);
• iv) optionally, providing an inoculum comprising predominantly lactic acid-producing bacteria;
• v) either inoculating the algae optionally cut or ground according to step iii) with the inoculum provided according to step iv) which comprises a concentration of lactic acid bacteria sufficient for the growth of the bacteria present in the algae so as to perform the lacto-fermentation thereof, or natural lacto-fermentation of the algae until the measured pH of the lacto-fermented composition has fallen below a predetermined final threshold;
• vi) collecting at least part of the lacto-fermented juice obtained;
• vii) washing the lacto-fermented algae, followed by storage and collection thereof.