Neopian Cocoa Juppie Cultivation

     How is it possible for this fruit to grow in almost every Neopian land? To answer that question, we first need to understand the origin of the Cocoa Juppie bushes. There are two categories of Cocoa Juppie seeds which are planted to give rise to this amazing plant. The first one is the Basic Cocoa Juppie seed variant, which yields 70% of the chocolate sold in all sweet treat shops in Neopia. This is the very first seed variant that existed in Neopia and arguably the most widely used. The second variant is called the Land specific Cocoa Juppie seed variant and it is an umbrella term which encapsulates the rest of the Cocoa Juppie seeds which can only grow in specific lands. These seeds have evolved from the Basic variant, undergoing mutations to strengthen their ability to grow in harsher environments and make up 30% of the chocolate sold in the shops.

     The seeds, either basic or specific, have some common requirements in order to properly grow and prosper. They require water, sunlight and an adequate planting location. However, each variant has its own needs in terms of amount of water or sunlight. In this article we will explore how each land has come up with innovative agricultural techniques to overcome its geographical difficulties and let this important fruit thrive.

     Basic Cocoa Juppie seed variant

     Mystery Island

     The main land that cultivates and exports Juppies to the rest of Neopia, most prominently to Neopia Central. The seeds can be planted anywhere around the island. They are found in remote areas around the volcano, outside of Neohomes in the gardens, by the side of roads and generally wherever there is a free plot of land. Mystery Island has the correct levels of sunlight and humidity levels. Sudden and heavy thunderstorms on the island keep the correct water levels and moisture for the seeds to grow which give rise to Juppies with a sweet and rich taste with a full chocolate aroma.

     Meridell and Brightvale

     The second main exporter of this berry to the rest of Neopia. An agreement exists between the two kingdoms for the plains in between Meridell and Brightvale to be used as a growing ground for the Juppies. The climate is adequate and the soil is rich in nutrients, however the farmers need to work on shifts to constantly wet the bushes due to the dry air surrounding the two lands. Morning shifts are covered by Meridell while Brightvale fills the evening shifts. The Juppies from these lands have a sophisticated taste with a funny aroma.

     Maraqua

     The underwater environment in Maraqua leads to high pressures and strong currents which are not ideal conditions for the basic seed variant to grow. Maraquans fill up lightweight baskets with sand, add extra nutrients and plant the seeds inside. These baskets are then lifted to the surface of the ocean and kept in place by long ropes. These ropes are then tied together underwater near the Kelp restaurant. On the surface, the atmosphere is very humid with constant rainfall, which lets the Juppies grow under minimal supervision. The combination of the sand and the humidity lead to berries with a supple texture and minerally taste and aroma.

     Faerieland

     Before the Fall of Faerieland, when the land used to soar the skies, the amount and strength of sunlight was prohibitive for basic variant Juppie cultivation. Each individual Juppie bush used to be enclosed into special faerie bubbles, blessed by the Earth Faeries. Each bubble kept the optimum conditions for the bush to grow, with an outer surface capable of becoming more opaque during the morning hours and more transparent during the evenings. Despite the Fall, the citizens of Faerieland decided to honour the long standing tradition and continue the same practice of using faerie bubbles until today. These bubbles provide Juppies of citrus flavour and zesty aroma.

     Tyrannia

     Tyrannia is another land with very strong sunlight and low levels of natural water resources. To overcome this difficulty, Tyrannians have built special greenhouses out of wood and rocks which are able to provide nearly perfect insulation. The humidity stays inside, making use of every last drop of water, while allowing around 65% of the sunlight to enter. Irrigation is performed daily by the workers who have to pass through two-level security doors, so that the conditions are kept controlled inside. Tyrannia could have developed their own Land specific seed variant, although that idea was short-lived since they were able to properly cultivate their own Juppies which have a very earthy aroma and taste.

     Altador

     Juppie cultivation in Altador is a protectors’ matter. Planting of the seeds is taken care of by Florin, the Farmer, who grows the seeds in the farmlands around Altador. The farmlands are magically protected from intruders by Jerdana, the Protector, who casts a barrier spell around the fields. This barrier only allows specific Neopians to pass through it, halting any unwanted visitors. The irrigation of the fields is controlled by Marak, the Wave, who cleans the seawater before feeding it to the plants while the correct amount of sunlight is controlled by Siyana, the First to Rise. During the harvest, Fauna, the Harvester commands her army of petpets to collect the fruits from the bushes. Lastly, any dealings with external shops are performed by Gordos, the Collector and by Kelland, the Thief. The Juppies cultivated here are very round in shape, with a fruity taste and a zesty aroma.

     Shenkuu

     Shenkuunians make use of the natural river that flows throughout their land. The seeds are planted in open boxes which are then placed around the cliffs and crevices where the river turns to a waterfall. Tubes, made up of hollow tree bark, intelligently transfer water, in correct amounts, from the waterfall to the boxes which drip slowly on the soil, watering the bushes. The humid environment around the waterfall proves to be an optimum cultivation atmosphere for the Juppies. Cyodrakes are sent to harvest the fruit from the bushes, or long poles with a hook at the end are used by locals to cut the fruit from the bush. Juppies from Shenkuu have a herbaceous flavour due to the soil used with a vegetal aroma.

     Moltara

     As an underground city, Moltara exudes an optimum heat which is required for the growth of the Juppies. However, they lack the correct amount of direct sunlight. The seeds are planted in fertile patches of land found inside the Moltaran Caves. Tangor, with the help of Lampwyck, collaborated to engineer bespoke lamps which are placed around the fertile land. These lamps imitate natural sunlight which, coupled with the lava that flows nearby that provides nutrients and minerals, allow the bushes to thrive. The plants are watered by the guard during the change of guard of the Magma Pool. These Juppies have a toasty and oaky flavour with an acidic aroma due to the nearby lava.

     Land specific Cocoa Juppie seed variant

     Haunted Woods and Darigan Citadel

     Despite most Juppies requiring constant sunshine, the Spooky seed variant used in the Haunted Woods and Darigan Citadel thrives in colder and shadier environments, with lower water requirements. In the Haunted Woods, seeds are planted near the Esophagor and are fertilised by many of the food items requested by him. Similarly, in Darigan Citadel, the seeds are planted near the Petpet Arena and are fertilised by food items imported from the Haunted Woods. These Juppies have a crispier taste and a cooler aroma with tones of melancholy.

     Virtupets and Kreludor

     Both lands lack a lot of the sunshine that reaches the rest of Neopia. The Space seed variant is used in these two lands which requires a lot less sunlight. However, it requires higher water intake and humidity levels and a very specific growing ground. Metallic pods have been created which, instead of soil, use a gelatinous substance mixed with metallic scrap parts which have proven to help the Space variant grow. The pods keep the humidity levels very high and automatically water the bushes. They are placed throughout the Virtupets Space Station as well as underground in the Kreludan Mining Corp. The cultivated Juppies have a metallic aroma and taste but are much tastier than what one would expect.

     Lost Desert

     The Sand seed variant used in the Lost Desert can withstand a lot more direct sunlight and can tolerate much higher temperatures. This seed variant has specifically evolved to favour planting in sand where it seeks to absorb every last available nutrient. The seeds are cultivated in greenhouses made out of sand blocks, situated near Coltzan’s Shrine, in the land between Sakhmet and Qasala. These greenhouses try to minimize the water losses. Irrigation uses water from the river that flows between the two cities and it is believed that King Coltzan’s spirit keeps pesky bugs away. The Sand variant Juppies have a dry and hot taste and savoury aroma.

     Roo Island and Kiko Lake

     These two tiny lands cultivate the Bouncy seed variant which thrives in overly damp environments, even more so than the Basic variant which adores humid environments. The seeds are planted along the coast of Roo Island and around the lake at Kiko Lake. The damp ground provides the necessary water and nutrients for the seeds to grow into bushes. These Juppies grow much faster than the rest, are much smaller compared to the other Juppies and have a very elastic outer surface, reminiscent of a bouncing ball. During harvest, the berries naturally drop from the bush and bounce a few metres away from it. They have a very rich chocolate taste and a sweet aroma.

     Terror Mountain

     The Snow seed variant is cultivated in Terror Mountain. This variant is the most resilient, capable of withstanding the most freezing of temperatures. The seeds are planted directly in the snow at the top of the Mountain and, despite the raging winds, the stalks of the bushes are barely damaged. The bushes require occasional thawing of their leaves and the surrounding snow as well as occasional direct sunlight. The workers use special lanterns on a weekly basis which are capable of melting the snow and provide the bushes with the required light. The melted snow is then reabsorbed by the roots of the bushes to help it grow. This process leads to Juppies with a crisp taste and earthy aromas.

     Krawk Island

     Probably the most bizarre variant is the Pirate seed variant, used in Krawk Island. This seed only prospers when planted in wall cracks and holes found near the entrance of the Fungus Caves. The plant then grows at an angle and the bush leaves escape the cracks, bearing the Juppie fruits which hang downwards. The bush feeds on the fungus found throughout the cave and this variant is believed to have the longest roots, to be able to reach fungus even in the deeper parts of the cave. The damp environment is ideal and the sunlight entering from the entrance is enough for the Juppies to prosper. These Juppies have a tannic taste and a mouldy aroma although they taste as well as the rest.

     Through this article we have identified that the creativity and ingenuity of Neopians is truly remarkable in adapting the cultivation of Cocoa Juppie berry to their specific land. Whether you prefer earthy flavours or minerally aromas, there is a variant to satisfy every taste. What truly matters is continuing to cultivate Cocoa Juppies so that everyone can indulge in their favourite treat: chocolate!