Spice plums will soon enter their multi-year blooming phase on Laligurans and should be edible soon. Experienced gourmands know the younger buds have less of that delicious peppery nectar but are also the least likely to fight back. Plan your timing with risk tolerance in mind.
After long deliberation, the Exobiological Taxonomic Association has officially categorized the Tiktalufi chimera as fruit! Don’t let their screams fool you - that is air escaping as they deflate, and the trashing will stop within an hour of being plucked from their Life Vine.
In vegetable news, a new starch root has been discovered in the jungles of Amateru. We can’t wait to try it. The flavor has been described as a reminder of long forgotten secrets, with a cinnamon zest.
For those more interested in wild game, Venusian Sulfur Worms might be worth another look. We previously described them as an acquired taste, and it seems more people are acquiring it, based on a surge in market trade. Hunting licenses are granted at the local level, so if you have an interest, we suggest reaching out directly to the Grounds Use Consortium of Venus.
We are sad to report the succulent butter swine of Andromeda have been placed on the endangered species list. Farm raised breeds do exist if you are willing to settle.
Newly off that list? The xenomorph population has fully rebounded on G-435! Permits will be issued soon. Frankly, we still don’t recommend hunting them, for your own sake.
The great star wyrm is off the table permanently, so say the good people at the Interplanetary Flora and Fauna Wildlife Protectorate. No one ever did manage to sample its meat. Look, the behemoth is larger than most solar systems with scales thicker than a planet. It was unlikely anyone was going to hack off a piece to taste anyway. Still, bit of a shame.
Also forbidden? Both the citrus-crab foam flowers and the ambrosia sippers of Hexose Prime remain on the protected list. Petitions have been filed…again. We’ll see if the IFFWP listen this time.
The Dimidial moon mimics have perfected their human disguises, which we suspect will soon lead to them being removed from the list of approved game species. As of this newsletter, it is still legal to hunt them, just be very careful with your permits and keep a detailed log of meat origin. And plan for your own preparation: most butchers have deemed it not worth the risk.
The current cloud beetle harvest of Draconis B has already yielded what some are calling the largest hauls yet. If you’ve been waiting for your chance to experience the variety and unpredictability of fresh cloud beetle, this might be your season. Field reports describe a wide range of flavors, from “light, fresh and clean” to “deep savory sweetness” to “harrowing.”
Inverted clam season has commenced in the gelatinous seas of Bambaruush. While we can appreciate the desire to try all the exotic fare available in this galaxy of ours, we have to say the inverted clam is entirely lacking in flavor, texture, nutrition, and enjoyment. This one is for completists only.
The spirit squid is rumored to have returned to the mist forests of Abol. We know many readers have this creature on their bucket menu, although we must remind you that their ephemeral physiology does mean you need to be prepared to eat it on the spot. It’s simply not going to travel. Also, please be aware that the squid’s proclivity for whispering enticing lies using your mother’s voice has driven more than a few would-be hunters insane. Decent flavor, though.
Yes, several newly discovered species on Delta Centauri III bear a striking resemblance to Archosauria from Earth’s Mesozoic Era. Yes, we have heard the outrageous theories of a time rip. No, we do not believe sections of Delta Centauri III are somehow from prehistoric Earth. History will not be altered if you want to bag a Centauri raptor.
For one season only, the elven folk of Pirx are allowing visitors to sample the delicate eggs of the speckled fire robin! One egg per visitor. Readers, this is an event decades in the making. Please don’t abuse the privilege.
And finally, an unfortunate update for fans of dragon whales: The rhizoid plague wiped out all available silver oat crops, as feared. That’s put milk production on pause until a suitable replacement feed can be located. If you find dragon whale cheese at your local cheesemonger, we recommend you grab it at any price.
We wish you all happy hunting, happy foraging, and above all, happy eating!