Macrocystis pyrifera, commonly known as
giant kelp or
giant bladder kelp, is a species of
kelp (large
brown algae), and one of four species in the genus
Macrocystis. Giant kelp is common along the coast of the eastern
Pacific Ocean, from
Baja California north to southeast
Alaska, and is also found in the southern oceans near
South America,
South Africa, and
Australia. Individual algae may grow to more than long at a rate of as much as per day. Giant kelp grows in dense stands known as
kelp forests, which are home to many marine animals that depend on the algae for food or shelter. The primary commercial product obtained from giant kelp is
alginate, but humans also harvest this species on a limited basis for use directly as food, as it is rich in
iodine,
potassium, and other minerals. It can be used in cooking in many of the ways other sea vegetables are used, and particularly serves to add flavor to bean dishes.