Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
The origin of algae as the compound structure better known as seaweed dates back one billion years. Terrestrial plants evolved from seaweed, and if it weren't for its single-celled relative, blue-green algae, there would not have been enough oxygen in the air to sustain life. As if being responsible for life on earth were not enough, seaweed is also a nutritional powerhouse that has defined the landscape of some of the world's most beloved cuisines. If an award were to be given for most virtuous food, seaweed could easily claim the grand prize.

