Sand Spice
You must let the petals wither away in the sand for some time before we can dig them up any earlier, and you will only get withered remains. - Spice MakerAmongst the many strange and exotic ingredients in food in the east, one stands out much more than others because of its creation, where no one would expect to make spice in the first place, in the very desert itself. It is for this reason that it is called Sand Spice, where the desert withers away the plants that are used to leave nothing but the spice buried beneath the grains of sand. A truly unique way to create spice out of nothing and let unforgiving dunes do all the work, so long as they know to make sure it doesn't fall into ruin. The primary source of its creation is the yellow petals of the Frehmad Flower, which grow in rocky terrain where the soil allows it to thrive, with a distinct pungent smell. Once the petals are collected, they are carefully placed in a hole in the sand, covered with a glass lid, and left to dry in the sun and hot sand, which acts like an oven, causing the petals to crumble and leaving nothing more than the spice in their wake for consumption.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Dune Spice is a commonly used ingredient in many dishes, adding a unique flavor that combines salty and sweet when desired. It has also been used to mask the smell of decay of rotting corpses when nothing else is available. It is commonly used in rituals by desert tribes, often to foresee visions by throwing it into the fire, or consuming large amounts of it can cause hallucinogenic effects akin to spirit journeys.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Sand Spice is one of the oldest known spices found in the Eastern Lands since the desert first consumed much of the region. It marked the beginning of new cultures that adapted to their hostile environment, enabling them to thrive rather than merely survive. This later led to a reverence for it, mainly due to the Frehmad Flower, which is made from it, as it holds some spiritual significance in certain groups, being seen as the symbol of life and endurance, given its ability to survive the harsh environment in which it lives. It has even been used in funerals to aid in sending the departed Spirit to rest, calming them should they become restless after their death. While it is now commonly used for cooking over time, Sand Spice still holds some sacredness as a symbol of a thriving culture against the harshest of environments.
Very cool method of making the spice! Sounds yummy (and useful) as well!