Betel Nut Solomon Islands
Every corner in the solomon islands seems to have a betel nut stand.
Betel nut solomon islands. Betel nut chewing details. Betel nut is the seed of the areca palm areca catechu and is widely used in africa asia and the pacific as a mild stimulant. When ripe the nut is brown or yellow in colour. It is not a true nut of the palm but rather a drupe a fruit with an outer fibrous section surrounding the stone or nut.
A deep red smile is a common sight in many parts of the pacific. In honiara the first thing you will notice is the red stained teeth and lips of the local men and women. By agnes menanopo. The betel nut business is well entwined in the solomon islands economy with nearly half of the countrys households selling the addictive nut as a cash crop.
As you explore the beautiful solomon islands you may be shocked to find so many locals with bright red teeth and lips. Dont be alarmed these smiling locals they have only been chewing betel nuts. The betel nut is a small nut that is chewed for its euphoric drug like experiences.