Getting to Know Betel Nuts

Betel nuts also known as Areca Nuts. It is sometimes used to make medicine. Betel nut is chewed alone or in the form of quits, a mixture of tobacco, powdered or sliced betel nut, and other ingredients.

Betel nut is mainly consumed in South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Betel nut has a long history, its use can be traced back as far as 2,000 years. A habit passed down through generations, chewing betel nut is a time-honored custom for 10–20 percent of the world’s population. It is one of the most popular psychoactive substances in the world, in fourth place after nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine. Many people chew betel nut for the energy boost it produces. This is likely due to the nut’s natural alkaloids, which release adrenaline. It may also result in feelings of euphoria and well-being.

In Hinduism and Buddhism, betel nuts are used as important ingredients in various religious ceremonies. In the Malay tradition, betel nuts is used to welcome guests and on special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and even healing sessions. In Indonesia, betel nuts is used in throughout Indonesia. The utilization of areca nuts in Indonesia is popular used to be chewed. Often similar ways to used sometimes different ingredients are added to suit the personal preferences of the consumers.

Indonesia betel nuts are primarily grown in the Aceh, North Sumatera, and West Sumatera, South Kalimantan and West Kalimantan, South Sulawesi and North Sulawesi. Indonesia is one of the largest producers of Betel nuts in the world. (WP/VK)