Looks like a delicious fruit? No. This is Areca Nut commonly known in India as the Betel Nut. This is obtained from an Areca palm tree. This tree is generally found in Asia and is originally from the Philippines.
The betel nut is chewed along with tobacco and betel leaves. It is highly addictive and people usually have it after a meal. Since immemorial, people in India have usually offered guests betel nuts, tobacco, and betel leaves after partaking in a feast.
Modern medicinal research proved that this habit or rather addiction led to harmful side effects and caused cancer. Although many people have given up this habit of chewing paan, it is still considered auspicious to offer a guest the betel leaf + tobacco + areca nut + lime combo. Nowadays, many companies sell packets with ready to chew shredded tobacco and areca nut. Otherwise, the user had to crush the nut and then slice it to chew it.
This harvest was obtained from a single tree in our yard. We do not chew it. So, we have decided to sun dry it and either sell or store it or gift it to someone who would like.
The betel leaf as such is a herb and does not harm. It is used as a medicine and even used to treat stomach pain of babies(grandma medicine). The scene changes when people use it to wrap an areca nut and tobacco and then chew. It is not only harmful but also stains the mouth and destroys the beauty of the teeth.
Therefore, my request to all is to stop using such products and live a healthy life. Health is wealth and should be considered a real gift.
Please plant a sapling that is useful to all like a mango tree, a jackfruit tree, or a coconut tree. Bananas, tapiocas, and other fruit trees like the guava, and papaya are all great.
Happy Planting.
images - sayee