Fresh Betel Nut

The areca nut is the fruit of the areca palm, which is commonly found in Sarawak and most of South East Asia.

It is commonly known and according to some people it is a misnomer, as the betel nut. Many people consider eating this nut harmful to the body.

Eating the slices of the nut is considered a good past time besides being a social activity. The nut is usually sliced into thin slices by a very sharp and special cutter called kacip. The slices are wrapped in a kapur (lime paste) smeared betel leaf and chewed for a long time. Many women like to keep the betel leaf and nut in their mouth for a long time. Some men think that this also keeps their women from talking too much.

But on the other hand, the chewing of betel nut and sirih leaves result in red gums and bad teeth!!

The eating of this composition seems to give a mild stimulant. In the past Indian coolies used to chew the betel nut to say alert at their work.

Malay culture and tradition hold betel nut and leaves in high esteem. Traditionally, guests who visit a Malay house are presented with a tray of areca nuts and betel leaves, in much the same way as drinks are offered to guests in many cultures around the world. There is even a Malay proverb about the betel nut, "bagaikan pinang dibelah dua", loosely translated like a betel nut cut in two, usually used in the context of wedding to illustrate how perfectly matched the bride and the groom are. (Wikipedia)