Neos and Thylasio Fyto - Vilanto Seaweed
Growth and Physical Characteristics
This type of Vilanto Seaweed comes in two distinct stages, categorized by the two different growth cycles they go through. Both stages of this plant tend to only grow near the coastal borders of Ithosia, due in part to the distinct mixture of salt content in the water and the unique tidal schedule.
Neos Fyto
Neos Fyto is the infant stage of this seaweed, and typically takes a short span of three to five months to grow from spore to a roughly 6 to 12-inch plant. The plant ranges in colour but is typically a shade of light red to pink, and has small wave-like ridges along its edges. Much like any seaweed, it is wet and sticky to the touch.
Growing upside down, with their roots balled up on the surface, allowing it to gently float on the surface and grow downwards towards the bottom of the ocean floor. The root balls of the Neos Fyto tend to cling together in pods of a dozen or more, giving the seaweed more stability in case of sudden storms or extreme weather.
It is not uncommon to see large floating masses of these root balls casually floating by in the mid-day sun. Over the next ten to fourteen months, the plant will continue to grow and usually stops growing at around 50 to 75 feet long, depending on how deep or shallow the waters are, before entering their mature stage.
Neos Fyto in a bowl
Thylasio Fyto
Thylasio Fyto is the matured stage of this variety of seaweed it has a stockier stem and root system and tends to sit in smaller groupings or even alone. They typically darken in colouration trending towards dark reds, burgundy, and black. The ridges that used to line its edges smooth out with the seaweed generally becoming longer and slimmer.
During the switch between their Neos and Thylasio stage, the seaweed's root ball will grow denser and break away from whatever sibling root systems it has attached to, sinking to the bottom of the water. Here it will slowly attempt to root itself into the sand as firmly as possible. Only about fifty percent of all Neos Fyto successfully root into the often loose sand. With many either being swept away into deeper currents where they are torn apart or simply die from the shock of their root systems pulling away from their siblings.
If the Thylasio Fyto successfully roots, it will continue to grow. Slowly changing in colour and shape to the form described above, and while it doesn't grow much in length, it does grow small spore pods in which it will eventually release the next generation of Neos Fyto into the water. This usually occurs roughly six to eight months after the transition between infant and mature stages. Giving the total lifespan of this Vilanto Seaweed variety as roughly 19 to 27 months (1 1/2 to 2+ years) total for fully matured Thylasio Fyto or about 13 to 19 months (1 to 1 1/2 years) for a Neos Fyto that does not achieve maturity.
Use in Cuisine
The Neos Fyto is used in many common dishes in southern Ithosia and has a briny umami flavour. It is commonly prepared as simply by roasting it over a fire with a light seasoning of salt and a tangy seasoning called Iko which is the ground seeds of a locally grown flower. The Thylasio Fyto is not commonly used in cuisine, as its taste grows more bitter and tough. However, there are a few special preparations for both the Neos and Thylasio Fyto.
Neos Bootch
This fermented and very slightly alcoholic beverage is brewed using the plant portion of the Neos Fyto, with the roots being discarded or used for other non-culinary purposes.
The plant is chopped up and added to a large glass jar, water, sugar, and Iko spice are added on top and stirred. The mixture is then left to ferment, being stirred and burped on occasion to ensure it doesn't explode. The process typically doesn't take long, seven to ten days, due to the heat of the region. But it can be allowed to ferment and steep longer for additional taste and increased carbonation and alcohol levels.
Neos Bootch tastes tangy and somewhat savoury due to the Neos Fyto's briny flavour, but this is cut back using the addition of sugar, and by the fermentation mellowing out the savoury notes a bit. This Bootch is said to be great for a variety of things, including improving digestion, increasing energy levels, and reducing anxiety. If ice is available it can be served with the Bootch, but it is often consumed without.
A jar of Bootch
Thylasio Tincture
This tincture is made using the Thylasio Fyto plant in its entirety, roots and all. It is one of the few preparations of the Thylasio as the plant becomes bitter and tough in its mature state. The plant is fully mashed, either by hand (and/or foot) or by using a large basin with a stone grinding wheel fitted to it that is then manually spun.
Once the mash is prepared it is put into a large clay or stone jug, alongside honey, water, the bark of a local medicinal tree, and Iko spice seeds. It is then mixed thoroughly and then sealed with a wax cap. The wax cap is replaced weekly to allow the fermentation mixture to express gas, much like the Bootch made with the Neos Fyto. However, this mixture is left to ferment far longer, up to six to twelve months to allow for a greater alcohol level to build up.
Once an adequate alcohol level has been achieved the liquid is drained and filtered several times through a fine cloth. When the liquid is free of debris and runs a clear green hue, it is ready for consumption.
Due to the bitter taste of the Thylasio Fyto, the flavour of this tincture is not overly pleasant and is an acquired taste for most. Somehow the combination of ingredients gives the alcohol the flavour of bitter licorice and a lightly honeyed aftertaste, quickly followed by another wave of pure bitterness.
This alcohol is used to celebrate the crossing of adulthood in to elder status in Ithosian culture, being an integral part of the Elder's Journey Ceremony.
Other Uses
Medical Applications
Salves are made from both stages of the seaweed in order to help with a variety of things. The Neos Fyto is primarily crushed and turned into a paste with a small amount of water and salt in order to encourage healing on small open wounds. Often used in conjuncture with bandages and splints.
The Thylasio Fyto is dried and mixed with the pulverized bark from a local tree, which is then turned into a medicinal powder that is typically consumed after it is mixed with hot water. It is terribly bitter and unpleasant but is said to help alleviate joint pain, quell anxiety attacks, and lessen the symptoms of dementia for a short time. Though many believe the latter two are more due to the ritual of making the tea and not the consumption of it. Both stages of this seaweed have confirmed anti-inflammatory qualities.
Magical Usage
The mature Thylasio Fyto is a sought-after material component for mages, as it is said to help focus the chaotic noise of unformed magic towards a water affinity making spells of that nature much easier to cast and/or contain.
Often this becomes problematic as the Thylasio Fyto is a culturally significant plant, and usage outside of traditional applications, like with the Elder's Journey Ceremony and the brewing of Thylasio Tincture, is considered disrespectful. While the harvesting of Thylasio is monitored by local officials, a small amount of it, usually dried, makes its way to various markets for sale to mages and the like.
Summary
Thylasio Fyto
Type
Organic
Taste
Neos: Briny, Thylasio: Bitter
Color
Neos: Light Red, Thylasio: Burgundy
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