Spice
[edit] History
Also known as the "spice mélange," spice is a general term for a type of food additive which in the early days of the universe were used to disguise the taste of spoiling food. Before the invention of refrigeration spices from planets such as Kessel were vital to the diets of the citizens of the hundreds of the planets comprising the Old Republic. It is essential for the Kessel economy that spice flows freely in it's rivers for harvest. The spice itself tastes something like bitter cinnamon.
[edit] Effects
Over time, it was gradually discovered that heavy spice use causes numerous unusual side effects, such as turning a person's irises blue if too much is consumed over time. It also aids in starship navigation, increases longevity, and can induce limited prescient states. Spice, however, is also extremely addictive and the withdrawal can often be difficult.
Spice should not be ingested by pregnant women under any circumstances (see: George Lucas).
[edit] Importance
The importance of spice to the galactic economy cannot be understated. Since spice is the secondary facilitator of interstellar travel (with the first being hyperdrive technology), vast amounts of galactic commerce depend on its availability. As a result, those in charge of planets where spice may be found (such as Kessel) possess the ability to control the production of spice and thereby influence the affairs of the galaxy as a whole.
Recent theorists, however, have posited that it may in fact be those capable of disrupting the means of spice production who are truly in control.
