Betel Leaf Firm - An amazing experience !!

Betel Leaf, commonly known as 'paan' in India, is significant in it's use. In India, Betel Leaf plays an important role since ancient culture. As per Ayurveda, Charaka, Sushruta Samhitas, the practice of chewing betel leaves after meals become common between 70 AD and 300 AD. In Chinese folk medicine betel leaves are used for the treatment of various disorders and claimed to have detoxification. 

Chewing betel leaves have changed over the period of time. The betel leaves are chewed together with areca nut (supari) and soaked lime.

In Hindu traditions, betel leaves are used during religious rituals, as it is considered to be auspicious. 

The 'paan' leaves are rich in Vitamin C, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, carotene, and also a great source of calcium. 

It has many health benefits also, such as..

➥ It is used to treat wounds, inflammation.

➥ It is taken after meal (as tradition) to digest the meal.

➥ It has anti-microbial, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties.

➥ It also prevents cardio vascular disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Cultivation of betel leaves are not so easy and can only be done in specific areas which has porous soils (mix with sand). The betel garden is called as 'Paan Baroz'; it is typically a square shaped area covered with straws and sticks so that the ventilation can be there. Inside the Baroz the plants are farmed in rows with the support of jute sticks/bamboo sticks. The baroz is located bit high from the ground so that water can't be hold at the roots; which damages the plant. 

There must be trained workers to nurture the plants regularly and also to pluck the leaves. Generally throughout the year 'paan' can be farmed. After plucking the leaves, sorting is done based on sizes, then a set of 100 paans are kept in circular sequential manner. All the pans are beautifully kept in a bamboo basket covered with banana leaves. The extreme cares are taken to preserve the leaves until transported to various cities.

I visited a 'paan baroz' very recently and was amazed to see it. It was in Odisha, in one of my relative's house. I was explained step by step the cultivation process in details. Sharing with you few glimpses...