Saturday 21 February 2015

The Love of the Betel Nut - Chewing in Palau



Betel nuts are the cigarettes of many countries of the area, and each country has their particular way of preparing the nut. Cigarettes are actually an ingredient in this nut-chaw national habit. First you cut/bite off the stem of a green betel nut (and remove the exterior shell if you like). Then cut it in half and scoop out the center pulp. Sprinkle some powdered lime in each half. Split a cigarette in two and place it in one half. Take a piece of piper leaf and stuff it in there like a bit of lettuce on a sandwich. Close the two halves and stick the whole thing in the pocket between your gums and teeth. Have a spit bottle handy. You’ll notice orange splatters along many roads along with the fibrous remains of the nut from daily commuters getting their morning/afternoon fix.



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