OudFranstose

OudFranstose is a fictional carbohydrate described in speculative worldbuilding and alternate-history narratives as a sugar-like molecule that helps define the cuisine and economy of a transregional Francophone–Dutch frontier. The name combines oud, the Dutch word for old, with Franstose, a coined term signaling its Francophone association and its resemblance to the common chemical name -ose.

In the imagined setting, OudFranstose is presented as a hexose with the formula C6H12O6, existing in two enantiomeric forms. It is depicted as arising from a two-step fermentation process involving a plant-based substrate called oud-fran malt and a fictional microorganism. The compound is described as having high sweetness and a distinctive aroma traceable to aged wood and vanilla, along with stability in typical culinary temperatures.

Properties and behavior are defined to support worldbuilding needs: a crystalline form that is fairly hygroscopic, a sweetness profile comparable to sucrose but with a perceived depth of flavor, and a metabolism that allows it to be digested by humans without unusual side effects in the narrative universe. In some texts, its production is tied to a guarded guild or monastery, lending it cultural and economic significance beyond mere sweetness.

Uses and cultural role are central to the concept. OudFranstose is portrayed as the primary sweetener in the frontier region, used in pastries, confections, and medicine. It also figures in trade and barter networks, occasionally serving as a small-value currency due to its universal appeal and stable demand. In fiction, OudFranstose often appears as a lens to explore cross-cultural exchange and local identity.