In the vast expanse of Stardew Valley, numerous farming challenges await, yet the Gourmand Frog’s quest stands out distinctly. Centered around three unique crops, it’s not merely a test of cultivation but also of patience and puzzle-solving prowess.
This guide will escort you step by step — from the quest’s inception to mastering the optimal cultivation techniques. By its culmination, you won’t only be equipped to reap a triumphant harvest but also secure a unique reward.
Table of Contents
Who is The Gourmand Frog?
Stardew Valley’s Gourmand Frog is a mysterious amphibian with a penchant for agriculture. Players encounter him on the West Side of Ginger Island, where he challenges them to cultivate specific crops.
As farmers work diligently to grow the select crops he craves, they unravel layers of the game that are as much about understanding the essence of each crop as they are about the act of farming. Meeting the Gourmand Frog’s demands isn’t just a task—it’s a journey into the heart of Stardew Valley’s rich agricultural tapestry.
Step 1: Find the Gourmand Frog
The Gourmand Frog lives in a cave Northeast of the sleeping hut on the West Side of Ginger Island. He will only appear once the player has upgraded their sleeping hut for 20 Golden Walnuts (see the Golden Walnut locations).
The Frog’s location is very easy to find. From your sleeping hut go a few paces Northeast and you’ll see the cave’s entrance.
Step 2: Figure out What Crops the Frog Wants
When players engage the Gourmand Frog, he fondly recalls a time when the island brimmed with fresh produce. He expresses a longing to see specific crops flourish once more. Yet, his descriptions are cryptic, as if he’s forgotten the exact names of these cherished items. The challenge lies in decoding his three riddled requests based on his vivid descriptors.
- First, the enigmatic amphibian yearns for “da pink thing…da juicy thing.” This cryptic clue points to the melon.
- On your subsequent visit, he hints at “da longo yellow ticklin’ thing…da thing dat be wavin’ in the wind.” This whimsical description unmistakably refers to Golden Wheat.
- Lastly, the frog’s craving extends to “da zesty ground-fruit, but make da breath stink.” This aromatic clue unmistakably guides players toward the pungent Garlic.
Therefore, the three crops the Gourmand Frog is looking for in the quest are Melon, Wheat, and Garlic. The gardening process for all these crops is the same as on your farm back in Stardew Valley. However, it doesn’t matter what season you plant your crops on Ginger Island as all crops can grow at any time, making the process faster.
Step 3: Grow a Melon
Melon seeds can be procured from Pierre’s General Store during the Summer season, each priced at a modest 80g. Once planted, these seeds blossom into full-fledged melons after a span of 12 days.
Once the melon is grown, resist the temptation to harvest it immediately. Instead, approach the Gourmand Frog and show him a grown Melon. Then he will give you the riddle to the next crop, wheat.
What to do with your Melons After Showing the Frog
Don’t let your crops go to waste! After the Gourmand Frog inspects your melons, you’re free to harvest them and either sell them or use them in recipes.
Price Chart for Selling Melons
Remember, if you have the tiller profession, your melons will sell for 10% more than the below prices.
| Quality | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard | 250g |
| Silver | 312g |
| Gold | 375g |
| Iridium | 500g |
Fruit Salad Recipe
Description: The Fruit Salad encapsulates the vibrant tastes of summer with a harmonious blend of select fruits, offering a refreshing bite on warm days.
Ingredients:
- Blueberry (1)
- Melon (1)
- Apricot (1)
Energy: 263
Health: 118
Source: Unlock this recipe by tuning into “The Queen of Sauce” cooking show on 7 Fall, Year 2.
Selling Price: 450g
Pink Cake
Description: Topped with dainty heart candies, the Pink Cake is not just a feast for the eyes. Its light, fruity flavor, complemented by its soft texture, makes it a favored treat for many.
Ingredients:
- Melon (1)
- Wheat Flour (1)
- Sugar (1)
- Egg (1)
Energy: 250
Health: 112
Source: Learn to make this delightful dessert by watching “The Queen of Sauce” cooking show on 21 Summer, Year 2.
Selling Price: 480g
Step 4: Grow Wheat
During the Summer and Fall seasons, Pierre’s General Store stocks up on wheat seeds, each available for a mere 10g. Wheat stands out for its swift growth cycle, reaching maturity in just 4 days.
Once the wheat is grown, resist the temptation to harvest it immediately. Instead, approach the Gourmand Frog and show him the grown Wheat. Then he will give you the riddle to the next crop, garlic.
What to do with your Wheat After Showing the Frog
Don’t let your crops go to waste! After the Gourmand Frog inspects your wheat you’re free to harvest it and either sell it or use it in recipes.
Price Chart for Selling Wheat
Remember, if you have the tiller profession, your wheat will sell for 10% more than the below prices.
| Quality | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard | 25g |
| Silver | 31g |
| Gold | 37g |
| Iridium | 50g |
How to Make Wheat Flour
Description: Wheat Flour is a foundational cooking ingredient that’s versatile and essential for many recipes. It’s derived from finely ground wheat seeds, lending a soft texture and subtle flavor to various dishes.
Ingredients:
- Wheat (1)
Process: To produce Wheat Flour, place Wheat in a Mill. By the next morning, the grain is transformed into fine flour.
Selling Price: 50g
How to Make Beer
Description: Beer, with its rich golden hue and frothy top, serves as both a refreshing drink and a reminder to enjoy in moderation. When brewed right, it offers a balanced taste that’s a favorite among many in Stardew Valley.
Ingredients:
- Wheat (1)
Process: Place Wheat in a Keg, and after a fermenting period of 1750 minutes (or approximately 1-2 days), you’ll have a barrel of freshly brewed Beer. For those seeking to enhance its quality and flavor, aging Beer in Casks is a recommended step.
Selling Price: 200g
Step 5: Grow Garlic
Come Spring, Pierre’s General Store will become the go-to spot for garlic seeds, priced at 40g apiece. Garlic seeds are notable for their brief 4-day growth duration.
Remember, as with the other crops, resist the temptation to harvest garlic immediately once the garlic is grown. Instead, approach the Gourmand Frog and show him the crop. This is the end of the quest!
What to Do with Your Garlic After Showing the Frog
Don’t let your crops go to waste! After the Gourmand Frog inspects your Garlic, you’re free to harvest it and either sell it or use it in recipes.
Price Chart for Selling Garlic
Remember, if you have the tiller profession, your garlic will sell for 10% more than the below prices.
| Quality | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard | 60g |
| Silver | 75g |
| Gold | 90g |
| Iridium | 120g |
How to Make Escargot
Description: Escargot is a gourmet dish that celebrates the subtle flavors of snails, decadently soaked in butter and seasoned to perfection with garlic. It’s a dish that offers a unique taste and an energy boost.
Ingredients:
- Snail (1)
- Garlic (1)
Benefits:
- Energy: 225
- Health: 101
- Bonus: Increases Fishing by +2 for a duration of 16m 47s.
Source: The recipe is gifted by Willy through mail after reaching 5 hearts or more with him.
Selling Price: 125g
How to Make Fiddlehead Risotto
Description: Fiddlehead Risotto is a sumptuous dish that features the unique texture and flavor of sautéed fern heads, complemented by the aromatic presence of garlic. Though some may find it a tad bland, its creaminess is undeniably satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Oil (1)
- Fiddlehead Fern (1)
- Garlic (1)
Benefits:
- Energy: 225
- Health: 101
Source: This savory recipe is unveiled on “The Queen of Sauce” cooking show on 28 Fall, Year 2.
Selling Price: 350g
Step 6: Collect your Reward
For every crop you present to the Gourmand Frog, he gifts you 5 Golden Walnuts, culminating in a generous total of 15 Walnuts — the highest reward from any single quest! These walnuts have a multitude of uses. While many players utilize them to access different areas of the island, there are two notable upgrades achievable with fewer than 15 walnuts.
Island Trader
The Island Trader shop is on the North Side. Unlock this marketplace for 10 Golden Walnuts and explore its unique wares.
Parrot Express
Navigating Ginger Island can be expedited with the Parrot Express. A fast travel system awaits those who part with 10 Golden Walnuts, ensuring swift journeys across the island.
Read More How to Complete the ‘Pirate’s Wife’ Quest in Stardew Valley