Indonesia (2 discs) DVD $29.95 buy now

Foods from around the World: Betelnut

Preparing Betelnut in a pupulu leaf

Betelnut is the fruit of the Areca tree, a wiry coconut palm which grows in moist ground in many parts of Asia, including Malaysia, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, and Micronesia. It's a refreshing, mild stimulant which is chewed casually like gum, inducing a similar effect to an espresso coffee.

Betelnuts are rich in tannins and contain a red dye which over time will turn your teeth black and lips red. Nonetheless, research has actually shown that chewing betelnut can reduce tooth decay and prevent cavities.

Origins and History

Betel chewing is a tradition which dates back thousands of years. The bitter poultice is an acquired taste, and although it's not clear why the people of the Pacific originally began to chew betelnut, the habit has been passed down through the generations and now provides a cultural link to their past.

Chewing betelnut is an everyday activity, but is also a fundamental part of social gatherings and celebrations. It's often offered to guests as a sign of goodwill and to welcome them into the family home.

Serving Suggestion

There's a number of different species of Areca, and some kinds of nuts are favoured in different regions or are only available at certain times of year. In Guam the favourite species is a hard, red nut with a grainy texture, known as ugam, whereas in Micronesia, softer, juicier nuts are prefered.

The betelnut is spilt open using a special instrument, and the husk is wrapped in a betel leaf called pupulu. Pupulu has a fresh, peppery taste, but depending on the variety of areca from which it comes it can be very bitter. Seasoned chewers might mix the betelnut with tobacco, or sprinkle the leaf with slaked lime.