Betel Nut (supari)

The Konkan coast is a delight to the eyes with blue Arabian Sea on one side and thick green blanket of trees on the other. The palm trees constitute a major part of this green blanket. Most houses in Alibag and other Konkan region have a large plantation of palm trees; coconut and betel nut (Areca catechu) in their backyard. It is difficult to find a house in Konkan without these palm trees either in the backyard or its surroundings.

Plantation –

The plantation requires calcareous soil with humid climate. These suitable conditions for the growth of Areca palms are found in Alibag, Shrivardhan and Murud talukas. The big dried nuts are buried about two inches deep in loosened soil, growing into saplings. Digging the right size of pit in the soil is important. Generally, in 60 x 60 cm size pit, the one year old sapling is planted. The soil quality is improved by addition of chemical fertilisers and cowdung, a natural fertiliser.

Areca palms and coconut palms are planted nearby each other with a distance of approximately 2 meters between them. The areca palm is 30-40 feet in height. The arching fronds of areca palm are definitely noticeable. At the top of its straight trunk, is a crown of green leaves with well-placed betel nuts in between. Though the height of the areca palm is similar to coconut palm, the leafy crown and trunk of the areca palm is smaller than coconut palm. Similar to coconut trees, it has year round production.

The parts of areca tree are an indispensable part of our culture. Since time immemorial, the people have been exchanging Areca leaves with the betel nut as a gesture of greeting. Betel leaves and nuts signify freshness and prosperity. They have a special place in religious rituals. Betel nuts and its leaves are the main ingredients of the edible ‘paan’ . This edible ‘paan’ is not only famous in Banaras but also in other parts of India. Due to its medicinal properties, betel nut is beneficial for health when used in an appropriate amount.

Business –

Betel nuts are cultivated on a large scale in Alibag Murud belt. There are business societies established to ensure the growth of this business. These societies collect the betel nuts from the nearby area and provide them to the dealers in cities such as Mumbai. The climate in Alibag region favours the growth of betel nut providing a quality product. In the past, a box containing the betel nuts and leaves, was available in most of the households. Betel nut cracker was used to make small pieces of the nuts. The adult members of the house used to relish the ‘paan’ after their meals. Betel nuts or leaves are very famous in the Konkan belt and are used extensively.

Nowadays, betel nut is used as an ingredient in many recipes. Betel nut is an important herbal medicine used to improve dental health, as an anti-microbial agent, good remedy for motion sickness and mouth ulcers.

Scientific name – Areca catechu

Common name – Betel nut, supari(local name)

Season of crops – whole year

Uses – Used in religious activities, since ancient times used as edible u2018paanu2019

Medicinal uses –
Improves dental health, used as an anti-microbial agent, good remedy for motion sickness and mouth ulcers.