The Five Flavors

This, too, was labeled as being "From the Cottar," and thus provides a glimpse into culinary culture in southern Kerofinela during the Late Heortling period. It provided interesting challenges in translation; the final flavor could have been translated as "savory," but ultimately the translator's hands were tied in providing a translation for the Theyalan adjective umatheh.

It must be noted that spiciness is not listed as one of the flavors here; this suggests that the Heortlings viewed spice as a different axis of cooking entirely. Certainly, they were not unaware of the role of spices in cooking, given the Issaries manifests that have been recovered from Wilmskirk and Boldhome, detailing the many spices that were brought up from Esrolia, including cinnamon, black pepper, coriander and sweet neem. Elsewhere in Mianmo's notes, she makes reference to having a "five-goddess Sarli curry" for dinner with Mesyllandre Otoros, and her later regret at thinking the two of them could "overcome Ty Kora Tek" is illuminating.

Bitterness is the first flavor, for it comes from the Darkness. Uncooked mushrooms and the deep roots taste of this, as does the meat of insects and rich herbs. It is harsh and overpowering on its own and must be tempered if it is to be made palatable, my son, just as one must keep a firm hand while dealing with the Trolls.

Saltiness is the second, for it comes from the Water. The old waters taste of this, as do all that live within them: fish, mollusk, crab, and seaweed. It is a paradoxical flavor, for despite coming from Water it is always hungry for it, and careless consumption will lead to great thirst. Saltiness can be used to even out the other flavors but be careful not to use too much, my son, lest it gather all the Water in your food to itself.

Sweetness is the third, for it comes from the good Earth. The fruit of trees and berries of bushes taste of this. It is always good to add this flavor to anything, my son. It is the great equalizer and can be used to temper the other flavors, just as Ernalda sweetly tempers and tames each of her lovers in turn.

Sourness is the fourth, for it comes from the Fire. Those things fermented and purified by the Sun taste of this. It is powerful and sharp, requiring very little to be noticeable.  Use it with caution, my son, for it may easily overpower the palate. Yelm never could abide being ignored.

Umami is the fifth, for it comes from the Air. The roasted animals of the field and the forest taste of this. It is rich and succulent, and it may be complemented by all other flavors. Make this flavor the center of your dish around which all other flavors gather, my son, just as Orlanth gathered all manner of gods around him to join the Tarkarlings.