Salads

Frostfolk Salads – Algal Diversity in the Ice

  The Frostfolk enjoy salads in abundance – yet in the icy plains, traditional leafy plants do not grow. Instead, they rely on a wide variety of edible algae. Three types are especially popular: Wander Algae, Shiverleaf, and Shellblight.  

Wander Algae

Wander Algae has a distinctly salty flavor and is often used dried and crushed as a seasoning. When freshly harvested, its leaves are mixed with other salad algae – but never served alone, as its taste would be too overpowering. Once dried, it is pressed into small rectangular sheets and eaten as a salty snack – favored by recruits and guards on long outdoor shifts.  

Shiverleaf

Shiverleaf is a timid algae that curls its leaves into small balls when touched or startled. After a while, it slowly unfolds again. For the Frostfolk, this behavior is irrelevant – after harvesting, Shiverleaf is placed in freshwater (usually melted snow), where it swells and takes on a fleshy, sponge-like texture. The swollen leaves are sliced into strips and kneaded to release excess water. Its flavor is mild and mossy – ideal as a base for mixed salads.  

Shellblight

Shellblight is a low-growing, moss-like herb that prefers to attach itself to abandoned mussel shells, slowly dissolving their calcium. In rare cases, it infects live mussels – usually fatal for the animal. Shellblight is carefully plucked from the shell, thoroughly washed, and eaten either plain as a slaw or mixed into other salads. Its taste is slightly bitter, but its texture is crisp and fresh. It’s also used as a seasoning – often paired with Wander Algae.