Areca Nuts

Areca nut is a type of plant that comes from the Palmae family. This plant is known by the scientific name Areca catechu. Areca nut has an upright trunk that can reach 20 to 30 meters in height. The leaves are long with pointed tips and arranged spirally along the stem. The large areca nut fruit is brownish-red in color and is ovoid or elongated. The fruit usually contains small edible seeds, often consumed as a flavor in many types of traditional foods in different parts of Southeast Asia. In addition, in some cultures, large areca nut seeds are also used as an ingredient for special candies or as one of the ingredients in traditional ceremonies.