| |
| |
|
|
| |
| Hot issues |
28.07.06
Betel nuts
Import of the Betel walnuts was stopped on the EU border in May 2006. This palm tree, known as the Betel palm, is cultivated in tropical Pacific, in east Africa, India, Taiwan and in other Asian countries because of its seed - areca catechu.
Betel nuts are popular because of economic importance of the fruit (seeds), the Betel walnut, in some places called areca walnut. Seed contains alkaloid arecaine and arecoline, that are narcotics and cause light addiction. Chewing of the walnut is important and popular in many Asian counties, especially in India. It is often chewed on different ceremonies and in free time, and its preparation differs from religion to religion. The walnut is crushed, spiced with traditional spices, and often wrapped in leaves of the plant, or in leaves of the Piper betel plant that isn’t botanically connected with Betel palm. At the end, the lime is added (calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide), in order to better extract the alkaloids. Some people chew tobacco mixed with the walnut. After around 20 minutes, the stringed remains are spited on the street. It can be easily noticed on the road because of the characteristic scarlet color.
Diana Herold
Whole article was published in Croatian daily newspaper 'Večernji list' from 20 July 2006.
Back Print | |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
