Areca catechu (Betel Nut) Seed Slices 40g
[40g Bag]

Price: AU$6.00 Temporarily Out Of Stock
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Traditional uses:
All species of Areca are used as betel nuts in their region. Some are preferred over others on the basis of potency and taste. Betel nut is used medicinally in the treatment for intestinal worms. But by far the most common use is in the social and ritual chewing of the betel-quid. This habit is very widespread throughout Asia, India and the Pacific, making it one of the most popular stimulants in the world. Generally the the betel-quid is a small morsel consisting of a quarter betel seed (crushed), a pinch of lime, spices like cardamom or nutmeg for flavour all wrapped in a betel leaf (Piper betle). On some Pacific Islands it is traditional for the men to also add tobacco into the package. This quid is chewed slowly over several hours, causing mild stimulation and a feeling of wellbeing.

In India and throughout much of Asia betel nuts are peeled, dried and often undergo a pickling process. They are then distributed in the markets and consumed as desired. The dry nuts are extremely hard and are processed by cracking, slicing or shredding. Cracked nuts (supari) are often ground to a fine powder just before consumption in a chewing quid. Sliced nuts are chewed as they are. Shredded nuts are added to tobacco to make gutkha, or to fennel seeds to make pan masala. On the island around Australia Betel nuts are usually consumed fresh (straight out of the shell) with a little lime added to the mouth by dipping a moistened Piper sarmentosum flower into the lime container and then chewing it together with the nut.

The active constituent of betel nut (arecoline) is most effectively absorbed via the mucous membranes in the mouth. Swallowing extracts or nuts appears to produce little stimulating effect at all.

Cautions:
This product is not a Food. Not sold for consumption.

Common names: Adike; Betel Palm; Fobal; Goorrecanut Palm; Gouvaka; Kamuku; Mak; Paan Supari; Pinlang; Sopari; Tambul; Tuuffel.
 
Areca catechu (Betel Nut) Seed Slices 40g
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