CARDASSIAN DICTIONARY-ENCYCLOPEDIA
Cuisine
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Cardassian Enjoyment of Food Many races consider the act of eating to be a simple biological necessity, but the Cardassians take their food much more seriously; even the most modest of meals can become a ritual experience. An ideal illustration of this concept is a meal Gul Dukat takes while on a visit to the space station Deep Space Nine. Alone in his guest quarters, Dukat sits at his table in preparation for his evening meal. He begins the ritual by pouring a glass of wine; he pauses to admire its color, then slowly takes a sip, closing his eyes as he savors the taste and smell of the rich liquor. Next, he surveys the food set out on the table. Dukat’s approach to his food is delicate yet commanding, and he gives the meal his full attention. He would never consider, for example, bringing a PADD to the table to work while he eats. A Visual Feast A Cardassian table setting is reminiscent of a Terran Japanese meal in the size and color of its portions; these delicacies are as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. To anticipate the meal is as important as the meal itself. To understand the significance food has in Cardassian culture, it is important to understand that it is not just something to be consumed, but a representation of power and control. In Cardassian society, who you eat with is defined by your position and social standing. Alone on a Federation-run space station, Dukat would much rather eat by himself than share a meal with those he considers to be beneath him. The Cardassian approach to food can be understood by examining the cultural background of the Cardassian race. While they are known to be quite aggressive in large numbers, they tend to be much more reserved when alone. Historical Perspective Five hundred years ago, the Cardassians were a peaceful and very artistic culture, and were known for their great archaeology and architecture. Between that time and 200 years ago, their planet suffered an orbital shift and climate changes that resulted in planet-wide food shortages. The planet quickly lost its ability to grow crops and the soil became devoid of nutrients sufficient to feed the Cardassian population. The cultural changes that followed were dramatic. The Cardassian military eventually took control of the government and all its ministries, promising the civilians a return to prosperity for the planet and a continued supply of food. With so much of their great art gone, it is conjectured that Cardassians seek refuge and a form of artistic expression in their approach to food and its associated rituals. Most of their food is now grown, harvested and imported from other planets. Foodstuffs There is great variety in Cardassian foods and beverages, and many are as palatable to other races as they are to the Cardassians. Even the Bajorans, during the Occupation gained a taste for Cardassians dishes such as larish pie, a favorite Cardassian dessert. EGGS - Cardassians are particularly fond of the eggs of several indigenous fowl; taspar eggs are a particular favorite. The boiled taspar egg is considered a delicacy on Cardassia Prime, although it is revolting raw. The eggs are eaten in a similar way to how a human would consume boiled eggs; the shell is broken and the cooked yolk and white spooned out, Regova eggs are similar to devilled eggs, a human delicacy. They are greenish in color and are often stuffed with a creamy looking substance. Yamok sauce, an extremely popular condiment, is normally served with meats. A container of it will be found in the cupboard of every kitchen on Cardassia Prime. Cardassian dishes with which it is traditionally served include tajal, a delicacy that is particularly repugnant to other races, and |
Foodstuffs sem’hal stew It can be used equally well to season non-Cardassian dishes as diverse as gramillion sand peas and asparagus. MEATS - Cardassian food tends more toward meat and other animal proteins than vegetable dishes, probably because farming is labor intensive and the products of off-world farming are expensive. They prefer their meat cooked, but in a survival situation they will catch small animals and eat them raw. Zabo meat is popular, and can be served one of several ways. Cut into think steaks is popular preparation; in this form, it appears similar to Earth beef, and its taste and texture can be enjoyed by Cardassians and non-Cardassians alike. Sem'hal Stew is a meat and vegetable stew, usually served with Yamok sauce. Vole bellies are another popular Cardassian meat dish. Wherever Cardassians have traveled, their Terran house-cat-sized vermin, the vole, has followed. These voracious omnivores can always find something to eat. Not to use them as a source of protein would be a waste of resources. Fish are still present in the seas of Cardassian Prime, but the best varieties come from Cardassian IV. Rokat is a dried salted fish jerky. It is an unpopular dish among naval crews, probably because when the good food ran out, the jerky was all they had to sustain themselves with. Seafruit is a marine animal similar to Earth's sea cucumber. Tajal is a meat that takes getting used to by non-Cardassians. Served with Yamok sauce. Tefla broth is a soup made of shellfish and vegetables VEGETABLES AND FRUITS - Rulot seed is a grain that is especially important to Cardassian agriculture. Grain seed given to Cardassian farming colonies by the Federation also provide carbohydrates to the Cardassian diet. A variety of berries and fruits imported from outlying farming communities are included in the daily meals of the Cardassian, adding welcomed color and tart flavors to the meal. Berries and fruits are also fermented into a variety of drinks. Unfermented fruit juices are consumed for quick energy. Larish Pie is made from fruits and is one of the few Cardassian foods Bajorans will eat. Beverages Like other races, the Cardassians enjoy a number of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Their tastes run to sweet and heavy or highly flavored drinks, both hot and cold. Hot Fish Juice is a morning favorite among Cardassians. Rokassa Juice is a non-alcoholic fruit drink served to students and those not wishing to indulge in a fermented drink. It has a distinctive sweet smell. Red leaf tea is a beverage enjoyed by Gul Dukat. He much prefers it over the Terran brands of coffee or even the Klingon coffee Raktajino that has become popular with many races. Red leaf tea is a drink that should not be replicated, but created naturally by the infusion of dried plant leaves in hot water. A Cardassian favorite is Kanar, and any pub or bar in space or at home will carry Kanar. Highly intoxicating, Kanar is a term for a strong alcoholic beverage that comes in a variety of forms, from a blue-colored wine to a distilled whisky or a thick, syrup like liqueur , depending on how it is processed.Crinox is a wine fermented from berries on Tohvun III. |
Entries have been gleaned
from existing Cardassian sources. "A Stitch in Time" by Andrew Robinson,
Star Trek Encyclopedia 1999,
http://us.geocities.com/verania/ds9/astro/cardassia.html,
http://www.teroknor.net,
http://www.ucip.org/thorkahn/Cardassian/index.htm,
the Terok Nor Trilogy (2008) and various DS9 episodes.
Updated 11/08 by the webmaster
Carol Thompson.