Wolgos Cuisine and Cuisine in Hergom

Characteristics

Wolgos cuisine and palate are profoundly intertwined with their dietary evolution and Neolithic history. As a subspecies with a predatory history, the Wolgos have developed distinct dietary preferences that set them apart from humans. Their culinary choices reflect their past as hunters and raiders of human tribes, as well as their adaptation to a more protein-centric diet. The Wolgos favour a diet that is significantly richer in animal protein compared to humans. They tend to eschew simple carbohydrates like bread, rice, and pasta. Instead, their carbohydrate sources are primarily derived from semi-starchy tubers and vegetables. This dietary shift is a result of their historical reliance on animal and human meat as their primary source of sustenance.

One notable characteristic of Wolgos cuisine is their preference for savoury flavours over sweetness. They often find traditional human cuisine to be overly sweet, as it relies heavily on carbohydrates like bread and potatoes. Refined sugar treats and desserts are generally less appealing to the Wolgos, who instead gravitate towards savoury and nutty treats, occasionally sweetened with honey or natural fruits such as berries.

The Wolgos' prehistory as predators of humans influenced their approach to food preservation and preparation. When raiding human tribes, they often acquired early agricultural produce that had a tendency to spoil over time. To combat this, the Wolgos developed techniques for controlled spoilage and fermentation. Preserving or fermenting meats, in particular, became a popular choice in their cuisine. Another intriguing aspect of Wolgos cuisine is their utilization of arthropods such as maggots and weevils. As the foods they obtained from humans often spoiled during extended periods, they came into contact with arthropods that fed on these spoils. The Wolgos learned to harvest and use these arthropods as a valuable source of protein. These insects not only provided protein but also transformed less desirable carbohydrate-rich spoils into a more desirable protein source.

Present-day Wolgos cuisine is characterized by a preference for bold and intense flavours, including strong sour, acidic, and deep pungent notes. Gamy and robust umami flavours, sourced from various protein-rich ingredients, hold a special place in their culinary repertoire. To balance and complement these strong flavours, the Wolgos often incorporate palate-cleansing and milder elements into their dishes. These include vegetables, cheese, milk curds, and starchy tubers, creating a harmonious blend of taste experiences.

While some human cultures may not fully appreciate Wolgos cuisine due to its unique flavour profile and preferences, others have found it to be intriguing and enjoyable. One notable aspect of Wolgos cuisine is its potential to promote ketosis in humans. The emphasis on protein-rich ingredients and the avoidance of high-carbohydrate foods align with ketogenic metabolic pathways. However, it's worth noting a cautionary point regarding Wolgos breads. Some of their bread varieties may contain ergot, a fungus known for its toxic effects. Humans should exercise caution and avoid consuming Wolgos breads that are exotic and potentially ergot-contaminated.

Foods

Meats & Arthropods

Wolgos cuisine is undeniably cantered around meat, and the Wolgos people have cultivated a profound and expansive culture dedicated to the production and refinement of meat products. Over time, their culinary preferences have evolved, transitioning from a preference for game meat to a broader array of choices as their population grew and agricultural practices became established.

Among the most notable sources of meat for the Wolgos are Aurochs and dairy Aurochs. These creatures are highly favoured and are commonly featured in the offerings of Wolgos butchers. Their meat is widely consumed among the Wolgos population. However, the Wolgos have always had a penchant for culinary diversity, leading them to raise a variety of livestock. This includes sheep, pork, wild boar, rabbit, as well as a diverse assortment of poultry and game birds. These animals are commercially raised to cater to the Wolgos' desire for a wide-ranging and dynamic culinary experience.

A distinctive aspect of Wolgos cuisine is their preference for rats and mice as a source of meat. These small rodents are not only cost-effective but also widely favoured over chicken in various culinary applications. One particularly popular Wolgos snack involves the pickling or battering and frying of new-born mice, offering a unique and readily available fast-food option.

Arthropods hold a special place in the hearts and palates of the Wolgos people. The giant wood grubs native to their homeland are highly sought after. These grubs, often referred to as "Wolgos eggs" due to their palm-sized proportions, offer a culinary delight. When burst, they release their thick yolk innards, which can be consumed both raw and cooked, providing a distinctive and flavorful experience. Maggots, cultivated on various substrates including meat, cheese, and vegetables, offer diverse flavour profiles. The oily residue left behind by maggots, after feasting on decomposing meat or cheese, is considered a prized condiment. Earthworms and a variety of beetles are also raised for use in minced preparations, stuffing, patties, and sausages.

Preservation Techniques

Meat preservation techniques are an essential aspect of Wolgos cuisine. Freshness is highly valued, but controlled decomposition processes are also cherished. Fermentation, in particular, is a widely adopted method, with meats fermented in various ways, including the use of jars or burial in alkali or acidic soils. These fermentation processes have given rise to gourmet delicacies. Additionally, pickling meat, either individually or in combination with spices and fruits, is a popular choice among the Wolgos.

Waste is minimized in Wolgos cuisine, and every part of an animal is esteemed for its gourmet value. All organs, except for dangerous endocrine organs, are considered edible. Bone marrow is particularly popular and is often processed into broths that are consumed as beverages. This culinary philosophy of utilizing every part of an animal reflects the Wolgos people's resourcefulness and reverence for the bounty they obtain from their environment.

Drinks

Wolgos beverages are a fascinating reflection of a culinary tradition that prizes depth and complexity of flavors. At the heart of their beverage culture lies a penchant for rich and intense tastes, achieved through the use of high-tannin roots, flowers, berries, and the incorporation of savoury meat and bone broths.

One standout favourite among the Wolgos people is chamomile. This delicate and aromatic flower is a cherished ingredient in their beverage repertoire and is found in a myriad of forms. However, its most notable incarnation is as a cold infusion. Chamomile is esteemed not only for its soothing and calming properties but also for its distinctive and fragrant flavour, making it a popular choice for moments of relaxation and reflection.

Soft drinks in Wolgos cuisine deviate from the typical sugary sodas prevalent in other regions. Instead, they are crafted with finesse, often flavoured with a selection of intriguing ingredients such as chamomile, sarsaparilla root, spiced tea, and even marrow broth. What sets these soft drinks apart is their mild sweetness; the Wolgos people tend to find foreign sweet soft drinks overwhelmingly and sickly sweet in comparison.

Milk and fermented milk drinks enjoy immense popularity among the Wolgos. These beverages come in a captivating range of textures and flavours, catering to a variety of preferences. Whether consumed in its pure form or infused with the vibrant essence of berries or tangy fruits like mango or passion fruit, milk and fermented milk drinks offer a harmonious balance of creamy richness and subtle acidity.

Whey, a by-product of cheese-making, has also found a special place in the hearts and glasses of the Wolgos people. This refreshing drink can be enjoyed slightly salted or mildly sweetened, but many prefer it in its natural, chilled form. In recent decades, carbonated versions have become increasingly available, offering a bubbly twist to this traditional favourite. Whey is often the go-to drink during everyday meals, providing a refreshing and invigorating accompaniment.

Hot beverages hold a prominent role in Wolgos culture as well. Teas and infusions, often spiced with aromatic elements like cinnamon, aniseed, cloves, and other spices, warm both the body and the spirit. Coffee, another beloved choice, can be enjoyed with milk for a smoother profile or prepared straight in hot milk for those who savour its sharp bitterness.

Haute Cuisine

=== Hergom ICoN Mission Summer Solstice Dinner === - 7689 === Starters === Fermented Meat and Herb Terrine Savory layers of aged game meats interlaced with aromatic foraged herbs, complemented by a sweet and tart berry compote. A harmonious blend of earthy and fruity flavors. Grub and Vegetable Salad Juicy, earthy grubs paired with a medley of roasted root vegetables, all tossed in a tangy, slightly sour fermented vinaigrette. A textural delight of crunch and succulence. Maggot Spread on Mold-Aged Bread A rich, creamy spread made from delicately prepared maggots, served on robust, mold-aged ancient grain bread. Enhanced with a drizzle of aromatic wild garlic oil for a pungent kick. === Mains === Fermented Game Burger A robust patty of rich, fermented meats atop a hearty grilled portobello cap. Adorned with a tangy fermented vegetable slaw and a decadent maggot-bone marrow cheese sauce. Accompanied by crispy, golden fried starchy tubers and a side of pickles for a refreshing crunch. Aged Game Skewers Succulent skewers of deeply marinated, aged game meats, grilled to smoky perfection. Served alongside a creamy fermented bean mash and tender sautéed greens. A symphony of smoky, umami, and earthy flavors. Hearty Hunter's Stew A rich, comforting stew brimming with a variety of tender game meats and root vegetables, simmered in a robustly spiced broth. A heartwarming medley of savory and warming spices. === Desserts === Berry and Fermented Cheese Plate A vibrant array of wild berries alongside a selection of sharply aged cheeses. Each bite a contrast of sweet berry freshness and the intense tang of fermented cheese. Honeyed Nut and Seed Bark A delightful crunch of assorted nuts and seeds, bound together by sweet, sticky wild honey and a hint of sea salt. A perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and salty. Melified Meat with Fruit Pairing Tender, honey-preserved meats, offering a unique sweetness, paired with carefully selected fruits that enhance the honey's rich nuances. === Beverages === Alcoholic Kumis A refreshingly chilled, slightly alcoholic fermented milk drink. Each sip is creamy and effervescent, with a subtle kick. Ice Cold Chamomile Infusion A light, soothing infusion of chamomile, served ice-cold. It's calming and gently floral, a perfect palate cleanser or relaxant. Bone Marrow Broth A deeply nourishing broth, rich in marrow goodness, infused with an array of herbs and spices. Earthy, savory, and utterly comforting.