Sea Ivy

Sea Ivy is a common spice found around Mirateia and is used in both the production of potions and in the kitchen where it's most well known for its excellent enhancement of the taste when added to fish dishes.
When the Sea Ivy have been harvested and the leaves have been dried, they will be put in barrels and then transported from the production site out to the customers who can be all over the continent, if there is a particularly long distance between the two places, the barrels will then be placed on so-called spice ships, called such because of their cargo and then shipped out.
No one really knows why it's called Sea Ivy, it neither Ivy coloured or in most cases not grown near the sea, but an accepted theory is that it back in the days got its name from the spice ships coming in from the sea with the spice in their cargo holds.

Properties

Material Characteristics

When found in the fresh state, Sea Ivy will look like a small bush ca. half a meter tall with yellow flowers and bright green leaves.
When the leaves are dried, they take on a more green-grey colour.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Holding a handful of Sea Ivy will have the same feeling as holding a handful of dried tree leaves.

Geology & Geography

Sea Ivy grows all over Mirateia, but outside of cultivated fields, it's most common in the eastern part where it grows in the forests there.

History & Usage

History

Sea Ivy has been used for as long as people can remember, though throughout history its usage has varied. 
in the old days, it was used by holy orders and clerics to produce potions of healing but in the last few hundred years, its usage has spread to also be used in the kitchen for cooking.

Discovery

Unknown

Everyday use

Today its most common usage is for cooking food, it's still an important ingredient in potions but most of the production goes to the kitchen.

Refinement

For potions, the fresh leaves of the bush are used, while for cooking the leaves are dried first as that makes the taste more focused.

Manufacturing & Products

• Potions of healing
• A tasty meal

Distribution

Trade & Market

It's mostly merchants who have specialized in spices that transport and sell the product, but it's not unheard of that other merchants have some in their store as well.

Storage

In its dried state, it's stored in barrels mostly for the convenience of transport.

Law & Regulation

After The war of Western expansion and the following The Decade of 5 Emperors there was for a few decaded a tax of this product as a mean to help the state pay for the rebuilding of the nation but in 1201 it was removed.

Type

Organic

Value

50 gold for each barrel

Rarity

Common

Odor

strongly aromatic and camphoric aroma

Taste

slightly bitter but warm taste.

Color

Yellow flowers and green leaves.