> What exactly (or not quite exactly) are the "first fruits of
> spring time" in Dragon Pass?
>
> The only thing I can think of that's really ready around this
> time of year here is Asparagus and (maybe) Rhubarb. Strawberries,
> Raspberries, and Gooseberries are still a little way off.
>
> So, what are all these unmarried women picking?
I can't say I have any special knowledge of Quivini flora and I won't talk about magic, but here are the things I can think of that would be available or nearly available:
Winter Rye, a grain (also called "annual rye.")
Many overwintered root vegetables: onions, potatoes, garlic, leeks, carrots(?)
perennial parsley, rosemary, oregano, chives
overwintered cabbages
grape leaves
bean sprouts
Amaranth leaves (if it's known there, which I doubt. It needs a grain goddess of its
own, as Amaranth can support most of a population by itself.)
Mulberries are pretty early. I picked some today here in the Virginia piedmont, and we've had a cool (and wet wet wet wet!) spring so far.
Blackberries come in June. Perhaps a west-coaster could tell us about loganberries?
And close to Jeff's suggestion: Calves' testicles, eggs and suckling pigs. Associated with the first would be increased milk production, so fresh cheese, butter and more of it.
In general you're right--it's darned hard to get any sort of real world fruit or vegetable in less than 30-45 days from pollination, and that obviously doesn't come until after flowering.
The symbolism of most early spring food being root veggies seems very appropriate--Ernalda is bringing these things out of Asrelia's Cavern.
Mike Dawson
http://differentgames.onestop.net/
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