Full List of Fruits Betel Nut
Betel Nut Fruit
Scientific name - Areca catechu
The nut is soft inside, when the husk of the fruit is green in color. Commercially available in almost all forms like dried, fresh and cured, betel nut also known as areca nut is a fruit categorized as a drupe. If truth be told, they are not a true nut; in fact it can be cut with a knife. The husk turns into yellow and orange, when the fruit is ripe. Upon drying, the fruit in the interior hardens to a wood-like consistency. The tradition of chewing the mixture of areca nut and betel leaf dates back to thousands of years and it is followed much in the South Asia eastward to the pacific. They are chewed basically for the effects it lets out; it acts as a mild stimulant causing a very slight sensation in the body with heightened alertness, having said that, it differs from person to person. The outcome of chewing them together is nothing effective, but relatively mild and it is often compared to that of drinking coffee and tea.
Nutritional Value of Betel Nut
| Cal | 339k |
| Protein | 5.2g |
| Fat | 10.2g |
| Carb | 56.7g |
| Thiamine/B1 | 19mg |
| Riboflavin/B2 | 10-12 ppm |
| Niacin/B | 31.1mg |
| Sodium | 76mg |
| Potassium | 450mg |
| Calcium | 400mg |
| Phosphorous | 89mg |
| Iron | 4.9mg |
Chewing betel leafs with areca nuts is said to have some systemic effects on health. Making it a habit is said to have a greatly increased risk of developing a range of serious diseases.
People who use betel nut, may experience the following:
• Tremors
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting ,
• Psychosis
Just like any other fruit requirement, with the same basic level things, even betel nut palm is propagated only by seed; however the method depends on the number of palms desired. Sources say that, circumspectly selected seeds are placed in the ground for it to take roots, but in shaded beds or pits until they sprout, later on, the seedlings are transplanted to nursery areas for growing on. Saplings that have more than five leaves are planted out at an age of 12-24 months.
