Technical Document: Agriculture, Domestication, and Food Culture in Cassowary Civilization

This document provides an overview of the domesticated species, farming methods, and food culture of the cassowary civilization in Sahul (Greater Australia). It details how species have changed through domestication, the diversity of farming practices across regions, and the culinary practices that sustain both rural and urban cassowary populations.

1. Domesticated Plant Species

The cassowaries' long-term presence in Sahul allowed them to domesticate and refine native plants. Over millennia, selective cultivation led to larger yields, better storage, and easier harvesting.

Domesticated Plants and Their Changes

Species	Modern State	Domesticated Changes
Kangaroo Grass	Native grass producing small seeds.	Selected for larger seeds, faster growth, and easier harvesting. Cultivated as the primary grain for flatbreads and porridge.
Yam Daisy	Wild tubers with low yields.	Larger, more nutritious tubers. Rotational planting improves soil health and yields.
Quandong	Wild fruit with tough, fibrous flesh.	Sweeter, larger fruits with thinner skin, making them easier to eat and store.
Macadamia Nuts	Small nuts with hard shells.	Larger nuts with thinner shells, bred for higher oil and calorie content.
Wild Rice	Wetland-adapted rice with small seeds.	Larger seeds and higher yields from managed wetland farming.
Wattleseed	Small seeds from acacia trees, requiring extensive processing.	Easier-to-harvest pods and higher seed density. Used for flour and flavoring.
Taro	Native wetland tuber found in parts of Papua New Guinea.	Larger tubers with reduced toxicity, cultivated in wetland zones.
Native Mint	Aromatic herb found in forests.	Grown near settlements for flavoring and medicinal uses.

2. Domesticated Animal and Insect Species

Cassowaries domesticated animals and insects differently than humans, focusing on semi-wild management and coexisting with their ecosystems.

Domesticated Animals

Species	Modern State	Domesticated Changes
Wallabies	Wild grazers dependent on native grasslands.	Encouraged to graze in fire-cleared areas. Semi-wild herds are culled for meat.
Eels	Migratory fish species in rivers and wetlands.	Managed in artificial channels and traps, with selective breeding for size and reproductive rates.

Domesticated Insects

Species	Modern State	Domesticated Changes
Witchetty Grubs	Wild larvae found in acacia roots.	Larger larvae with higher fat content, grown in modular "root systems" for easier harvesting.
Honey Pot Ants	Nectar-storing ants in arid regions.	Increased nectar production and tolerance for artificial nesting systems near settlements.
Termites	Decomposers found in woodlands and grasslands.	Larger colonies with termites producing higher protein yields. Managed in wood mounds or artificial habitats.
Green Tree Ants	Arboreal ants with protein-rich larvae and sour-flavored bodies.	Improved larval yield and less aggressive behavior. Colonies integrated into forest gardens for dual pest control/harvest.

3. Farming Methods by Region

Grasslands and Fire-Cleared Farms (Mainland Australia)

Primary Crops: Kangaroo grass, yam daisies, wattleseed.
Methods:
- Rotational controlled burns clear competing vegetation and fertilize soil.
- Semi-wild wallabies graze in cleared areas, providing meat.

Forest Gardens (Eastern Australia and PNG)

Primary Crops: Quandongs, macadamias, green tree ants, witchetty grubs.
Methods:
- Multilayered agroforestry integrates food trees and host plants for insects.
- Selective harvesting ensures ecological balance.

Wetland Farms (Werribee and Other Riverine Areas)

Primary Crops: Taro, wild rice, water chestnuts; eels and fish.
Methods:
- Seasonal flooding and constructed channels manage water levels for crops and aquaculture.
- Rotational use of wetland edges maintains fertility.

4. Farming in the Werribee Region

The Werribee region is especially productive due to its fertile volcanic soils, reliable seasonal rains, and diverse ecosystems.

Key Crops and Practices

Grasslands: Kangaroo grass and yam daisies thrive in fire-cleared areas.
Wetlands: Eels and wild rice are farmed along seasonal flood zones.
Forest Gardens: Quandongs and macadamias grow in pockets of woodland.

Farm Layout

Farms are integrated with the natural landscape, with clear divisions for crops, wetlands, and managed forests.
Seasonal rotations and fire use optimize productivity and sustainability.

5. Normal Staple Foods

Food	Source	Preparation
Flatbreads	Kangaroo grass seeds	Ground into flour and baked.
Porridge	Millet, wattleseed	Cooked with water or honey.
Roasted Tubers	Yam daisies, taro	Roasted or mashed with spices.
Smoked Eels	Wetland farms	Smoked for preservation.
Dried Fruits	Quandongs, bananas	Dried for long-term storage.

6. Large Homes and Private Farms

Wealthy cassowary households cultivate small but diverse farms within their estates.

Private Insect Farms: Honey pot ants for nectar and witchetty grubs in root systems.
Luxury Gardens: Native mint and flowering plants for honey and spices.
Aquaculture Pools: Small ponds for fish and eels.

7. Food Storage Techniques

Smoking and Drying: Common for eels, fish, meat, and fruits.
Sealed Containers: Nuts and seeds stored in clay pots.
Fermentation: Fruits and tubers fermented into alcohol or preserved as sour pastes.

8. Common Foods

Daily Meals:
- Morning: Flatbread with dried fruit or nut paste.
- Midday: Porridge with roasted insects or smoked fish.
- Evening: Stewed tubers with wallaby meat.
Feast Foods:
- Stuffed seals with tubers and wild rice.
- Honey-glazed flatbreads.

9. Common Alcoholic Drinks and Substances

Tuber Beer: Fermented yam daisies or taro.
Fruit Wine: Quandong or banana-based.
Honey Drinks: Fermented honey pot ant nectar.
Herbal Infusions: Mint or wattleseed teas.
Kava-like Drink: Made from bark or roots with mild psychoactive effects.

10. Common Flavors

Spices:
- Wattleseed (nutty and earthy).
- Mountain pepper (spicy and aromatic).
Herbs:
- Native mint (cool and refreshing).
Sweeteners:
- Honey pot ant nectar or wild honey.