SHOFU SYRUPShofu Syrup is a faintly neuro- and psychoactive pink-gold condiment produced in the Jade Empire. It is a luxury foodstuff and is one of the Jade Empire's largest export goods measured by gross volume.
Shofu syrup is derived from the Great Shofu Mushroom, a towering fungus that can grow up to six metres in height. It is popular for its sweet, faintly smoky flavour and its mild neurological and psychoactive efffects. In almost all sapient life-forms, regardless of physiology, consumption of Shofu syrup is observed to elicit a calming effect and a tranquil emotional state, as well as increased physical sensation and temporary schizotypy. The mechanism through which this effect occurs is not yet understood. PRODUCTIONThe Great Shofu Mushroom, like many other fungi, is composed of roughly 92%
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liquid. This starchy liquid, or 'draw', is extracted at harvest time by simmering the cap and stem of the mushroom. It is then converted to syrup by heating the draw and boiling most of the water content to leave behind a thick, viscous syrup. The stem produces high-quality consumption grade syrup whilst the cap typically produces darker, less translucent process-grade syrup, which is used as flavouring for other food products.
All Shofu syrup is strictly graded in accordance with guidelines laid out by the Bureau of Shofu Syrup Assessment, a sub-department of the Imperial Ministry for Natural Harmony. To be consumption grade, Shofu syrup must be of a uniform pink-gold colour, have a light transmittance (translucency) of at least 75%, must have a clear and distinctive Shofu flavour and must be free of any unpleasant odors, flavours or physical impurities and foreign objects. To be process grade, Shofu syrup must be of a uniform pink-gold colour, have a light transmittance (translucency) of at least 45%, must have an identifiable Shofu flavour and must be free of any unpleasant odors, flavours or physical impurities and foreign objects.
Popular brands of Shofu syrup include Uncle Hachi's Table Shofu, Ko Pink Shofu, and Imperial Temple Shofu, the only brand to have the Imperial Warrant. Although the Jade Empire does not hold a monopoly on Shofu production, the export of Great Shofu Mushroom spores is banned and the Jade Shofu Retailers Association aggressively and successfully markets against foreign producers.
All Shofu syrup is strictly graded in accordance with guidelines laid out by the Bureau of Shofu Syrup Assessment, a sub-department of the Imperial Ministry for Natural Harmony. To be consumption grade, Shofu syrup must be of a uniform pink-gold colour, have a light transmittance (translucency) of at least 75%, must have a clear and distinctive Shofu flavour and must be free of any unpleasant odors, flavours or physical impurities and foreign objects. To be process grade, Shofu syrup must be of a uniform pink-gold colour, have a light transmittance (translucency) of at least 45%, must have an identifiable Shofu flavour and must be free of any unpleasant odors, flavours or physical impurities and foreign objects.
Popular brands of Shofu syrup include Uncle Hachi's Table Shofu, Ko Pink Shofu, and Imperial Temple Shofu, the only brand to have the Imperial Warrant. Although the Jade Empire does not hold a monopoly on Shofu production, the export of Great Shofu Mushroom spores is banned and the Jade Shofu Retailers Association aggressively and successfully markets against foreign producers.
HISTORY
Shofu syrup consumption predates recorded history. There is archaeological evidence for the preparation and consumption of Shofu syrup dating as far back as 8,000 MT, and parietal art and ritual objects suggest it may even have been used in religious ceremonies.
There was a minor international craze for Shofu syrup in the 2400s after unrestricted international trade was permitted by the Shogunate for the first time in centuries. It was banned in several countries as a psychedelic drug, but following the ascendancy of the Laptev Axis Shofu syrup can now be found across the planet of Laptev and in the markets of many of the trading partners of the Jade Empire.
Today it is a popular symbol of the Jade Empire, with souvenirs, cookies, candies and even alcoholic beverages flavoured with process-grade Shofu syrup, whilst pure bottles of syrup can be found on the shelves of nearly every Imperial grocery store.
There was a minor international craze for Shofu syrup in the 2400s after unrestricted international trade was permitted by the Shogunate for the first time in centuries. It was banned in several countries as a psychedelic drug, but following the ascendancy of the Laptev Axis Shofu syrup can now be found across the planet of Laptev and in the markets of many of the trading partners of the Jade Empire.
Today it is a popular symbol of the Jade Empire, with souvenirs, cookies, candies and even alcoholic beverages flavoured with process-grade Shofu syrup, whilst pure bottles of syrup can be found on the shelves of nearly every Imperial grocery store.