[FICTION] Naxian Culture | Cuisine (Part 1)

     Like many other cultures, food features heavily in Naxos, and has a rich history and traditions all its own.

    As an island nation, seafood forms a significant portion of the diet in most settings, and indeed is the base of their food pyramid. Oysters and shellfish in particular are some of the most common foods seen, especially with lower classes. Eels are also common, as is smaller whitefish. Larger catches such as swordfish or tuna, are typically reserved for the wealthy or special occasions due to their value. Kelp is also very commonly seen as a staple in rural Naxos, as it grows in abundance in great undersea forests.

    For agricultural foods, the islands have little in the way of arable land, making things like grain and livestock expensive by comparison to things found locally. The three most common crops, though, are Naxian Rice, Naxian Grapes, and olives. The rice in particular is a revered specialty; this hardy grain can be grown with even brackish waters with mixed fresh and salt water, and is seen in the dishes of nearly all social strata. And the grapes are grown to make potent wine, which is not only bold in taste, but can provoke visions in most who imbibe. Lastly, the olives that are grown on the rocky mountain slopes are said to be the food of heroes, and even the gods of old.