Traditional Salting
In the beginning of the new realm, food, clothing and other essential items were scarce. Many folk died of starvation or illnesses compounded by the difficult times. The dragon folk were already starving due to the severe drought that the original world was suffering through. Many were desperate.
When the folks of the coasts found natural salt fields, a new and significant opportunity arose. Preserved vegetables and meat became high in demand and it was a significant turning point for the folks of the new realm.
First Salt Production
When the folk of the realm began to settle, those on a saltwater coast produced salt by storing naturally salted water in large vessels made of clay. The water would naturally evaporate and the salt would remain. The process was long and time-consuming. In order to speed up production, large clay urns were created to store the salt. These urns were filled with salt water and then sealed. The water then evaporated while the salt was en route. Once the salt was ready, the urns were broken and the salt was used.First Salt Field
The first salt field was discovered by beta nomad folk who were in search of a good location to live. Named the "Salt Lands" because of the natural layers of salt found when the tide recedes, the salt that forms naturally here has a light purple hue due to the dark reddish landscape and marsh. This was a significant change in production, and as a result, salt routes were formed.Salt Trade
Not only did the trade of salt significantly improve the lives of the salt farmers, but also the discovery of salt helped deter starvation during the winter months. This meant that other areas of the new realm could trade salt and preserve foods for the winter months. There is evidence through various writings and written journals from key members of the early settlers, that the early mortality rate was two-thirds of the population each year with the majority being young folk. But by 242 [AD], only 3 years after the discovery of the salt lands, mortality dropped to just over one-third. This was a significant boost for the early folk and thus began regular trade routes and improved food preservation.The Salt Route
The salt route began on the coast of XXX where salt farmers would harvest the salt and process it. In the beginning, the salt was spread out on large canvases made of fine reed. The salt would dry as folk would pick through it to remove debris and dirt. The salt was then washed lightly, dried once more and then packed in canvas bags for transportation. Once ready for transportation, the land tenant would send the salt to the Lord of the salt lands for trading. The Lord would trade the salt, keeping a portion of the profits for himself. The traders would travel to the different areas of the realm and sell the salt in the markets. In addition to salt, many traders would transport salted food to different areas.Popular dishes of the Salt Lands
Because of the coastal seas, many folk of the salt lands prepare salted fish and seafood. Dishes include:- Salted oysters
- Salted snails
- Salted weed fish with rooted vegetables
- Smoked and preserved fish
- Salted eggs
- Dried and salted double horned forest hog
- Preserved harvest vegetables
- Salt Baked wild fowl
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