In the Edge of Extinction: Betel Chewing

Tuesday, August 7th, 2007 by Sidarta Wijaya

Betel chewing in Bali is an old pastime; nowadays, only the senior citizens enjoy this pastime. Betel chewing is definitely affordable to everyone since the ingredients that are needed can be easily obtained in the traditional market in a cheap price. Four ingredients are needed for betel chewing activities: betel leaf, areca nut, lime and gambir. Betel leaf provides an aromatic wrapper, areca nut gives the primary taste of in betel chewing, the lime releases the essence of areca nut and gambir enhances the taste. The ingredients are stored in a wooden box sometimes just on an ordinary plate.

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People & Community | Comments (0) | 835 views |

Base or Sirih - Betel Chew

Friday, September 1st, 2006 by ablteam

Base (Piper betle) the leaf of a species of slightly narcotic pepper. These seeds, when combined with betel nut and lime, are chewed mostly by older people all over Indonesia; the teeth become rust-colored after years of chewing. Chewed in Indonesia for over 2.500 years, Base could also serve important ritual functions in restoring harmony and peace between individuals or within a community. On Bali, only a diminishing number of old people still chew Base.

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Photo News | Comments (1) | 834 views |

Porosan, The Betelnut Quid

Friday, June 9th, 2006 by ablteam

The colors, of the porosan - red for areca nut, green for betel leaf, and white for lime - represent Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa, the three gods of Hindu Trimurti.