Areca Palm / Betelnut (Areca catechu) seeds

In Asia, the stimulating and mood-lifting 'paan' is made out of the seeds of the Areca Palm (Betelnuts). Therefore, some seed parts are wrapped in a fresh leaf of the betel together with some burnt lime, gambir-catechu, and spices. Chewing this is similar to being stimulated by nicotine. There are many recipes for all kinds of tastes. The ingredients are often grown in specific betel gardens. Here, betel plants trail around areca palms.

In Malaysia, the betel nut is a typical welcome gift for guests. In Taiwan, betel nut girls sell the nuts on the street in special stalls. The girls are usually lightly dressed to increase sales, especially among men.