Riceflowers

Basic Information

Growth Rate & Stages

When the riceflower initially breaks through the ground it has a tough fibrous coating. This verdant shell is fire resistant. There are rumors that vitraxine laced riceflower even protects against magic fire. After about six to eight weeks these shells will become brittle and fall off. Just before this happens, the farmers collect them to create thatch for roofs in Lochmalan and sell to other countries as an export.
After the shell comes off, the rice is shown below. It's a brilliant golden yellow with a strong citrus scent though the flavor is very similar to our rice. The rice continues to produce more and more grains for another month.
Once additional grains stop producing, the farmers have about a week or two to harvest it before the rice moves to the third stage. The rice blossoms into tiny little flowers of various pinks, oranges, yellows, and reds. Rarely, they also bloom into cool blues, whites, and violets. Both the warm blossoms and the cool blossoms are used for spices. Each color has its own flavor profile, though the two distinct groups often are used to flavor together. Some farms do the painstaking work to separate out the colors as a single flavor is more valuable than the blends many other farmers use.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Early Growth - Fibrous Shells

The shells of the riceflowers are fire resistant and are used to produce thatch-like roofs in the marshes of Lochmalan.

Mid Growth - Rice Grains

The brilliant yellow grains have a strong citrus scent, though the flavor is much milder and closer to normal rice with the barest hint of lime.

Late Growth - Blossoms

The rice blossoms into a rainbow of colors which are aromatic and used to spice food. This is a major export of Lochmalan.
Flavor profiles of the blossoms:

• Red earthy, spicy, and a little sweet, like cinnamon
• Orange earthy and a little bitter, like turmeric
• Yellow sweet and fragrant, like cardamom
• Purple mild licorice flavor, similar to fennel
• Blue Cool and refreshing, similar to mint
• White fresh, citrusy, and a bit grassy, similar to lemongrass

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Riceflower fields are grown throughout Lochmalan to the northern city of Ashenpool to the south in Penfield.

Related Myths

• The Farmer's Lament