Rice

[Rice], the Foremost Grain in the eyes of the Realm since time immemorial from the Solar Deliberative through the Shogunate to the Scarlet Empire, is the grain of the Central direction. Rice is demanding, requiring much labour from farmers, fertile soils and ample irrigation, but while circumstances fitting for it are most common on the Blessed Isle it is also grown in various lands across the Threshold, particularly the South, East, and West.

Rice is typically grown in irrigated paddies, and after millenia of work the lower slopes of the Isle's mountains are invariably shaped to accomodate. Rice does not stomach rockier terrain, which sees steeper slopes seeded with Millet and Yam, both commonly used by the Isle's peasants to 'cut' rice, allowing full bowls with only a small amount of the more favoured grain.

Though there are numerous varieties of rice, they are all planted and grown in shallow water, and then harvested and dried to separate the grains from the grasses. Traditionally the grains are then polished, tumbled to clean off husk and pith so they can attain the white pearlescent state demanded by the tables of the wealthy and the Scarlet Dynasty (and even the Immaculate Order, whose dietary strictures demand purifierd grains). Proper preparation of rice also involves repeated washing, to remove dust which might gum up the resulting dish. The cloudy water which results often forms the base of soups and stews for kitchen staff and Immaculate soup kitchens. Rice has a number of culinary uses, amongst them the production of Rice Wine. It is also used to create flour, and from this noodles and wraps. Opinions as to the superiority (or lack thereof) of rice in these applications can be coontentious in gourmand circles.

There are several varieties of rice found across Creation:

Glutinous Rice

Colloquially known as 'sticky rice' or 'Central rice', Glutinous Rice is the predominant variety on the Blessed Isle and within the cusine of the Scarlet Dynasty, as well as that of Lookshy. The short grains stick together, ideal for dining with chopsticks.

Fragrant Rice

Colloquially known as 'Southern rice', Fragrant Rice carries floral elements into its flavours, particularly well-aligned with sweet and spicy dishes. It is the predominant variety in the Southwestern states such as An Teng and the Land of Crushing Fragrance.

Unbound Rice

Colloquially known as 'Eastern rice', Unbound Rice tends towards grains that remain well separated after cooking. This means it is well suited for frying and baking applications. Its growing conditions are dryer than most rice, and it is the dominant variety in Varangia, the Great Grass Sea, and the River Province, but there is notable resistance to it in Lookshy... while that state could save significant labour and water by cultivating Unbound Rice, it insists on elaborate engineering projects to produce the Glutinous Rice it considers superior.

Salt Rice

Salt Rice, colloquially 'Western rice', was developed during the First Age, to supplement the diets of populations dwelling among the Western seas. It is notable for growing in seawater, and many islands of the West sow it along their shores. For the gourmands of the Scarlet Dynasty it is not well regarded, carrying a Salty flavour and chewy texture as well as a dark colour which stains grains or broth cooked along with it. House Peleps is an exception to this, favouring the grain and often incorporating it into dishes of Glutinous Rice to darken their colour into alignment with those of the House.

Cream Rice

Cream Rice, colloquially 'Northern rice', is a short grain rice grown most commonly along the northern coast of the Blessed Isle as well as Whitewall and the northern Threshold. As it cooks, its starches thicken the surrounding dish, the creamy texture granting its name. It is most commonly cooked with wine, seafood, and/or Cheeses.