Xabose

A rare exotic fruit only found in the northernmost regions of Antheton.

It is rumored to be named after an eccentric explorer.

Plant and Fruit Description:
The fruit's tree is fat, stout, broadly rooted to resist the wind, and grows no taller than 7 feet high. Leaves are long and thin, almost evergreen.

The fruit itself is pale, egg-like, and its outer skin is much like a thick, fatty shell. Within this is a jelly of sweet juices and thousands of soft, golden seeds that are also considered the flesh. The consistancy can be compared to fish eggs in syrup in a cup of (tapioca) pudding.

Place in Culture:
The fruit is rarely spread throughout the country, and must be specially ordered through a local Temple.

The reason for this is due to the fruit being considered an aphrodesiac and temporary way to alter one's body chemistry to be more pleasing to their sexual partner. Such a thing is usually associated with married couples, spiritualism, and thus is the sacred responsibility of the Temple to supply the people.

Xabose is never seen in any public stores or businesses, unless for specific holidays.

Preparation:
The fruit can be eaten many ways, though the smooth outer layer of skin is best to be peeled off. The thick inner shell can be eaten raw, and the contents gradually drank or scooped out. This is the most common way of consuming them.

A variety of other ways have been invented, though these are most favored:


 * Dicing the inner shell, frying it in the juice, then pouring over the meat.


 * Peeling the shell, baking it into chips and using them in the meat and juice as a dip.


 * Puree'ing the inner shell with the meat, boiling until smooth, and then adding the juice when warm.

It is less common to use other ingredients with the fruit, and is seen as wasteful, improper, or completely unneccessary.

Agriculture:
The common Anthetion knows no way to grow this fruit themselves, as none are sure why the seeds, when planted, never seem to grow. Because of this, the available wild trees are harvested cautiously and only by members of the Temples. It is said that they know the truth how to grow such trees, but resist doing so for the better of the people and to emphasize "Less is more".