Betel: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Sep. 17, 2026

Facts

Also Known As	paan • pinang • penang

Photos

Woman seated at a table prepares betel quids by wrapping nuts in green leaves, with prepared leaves and ingredients spread out in front of her in Shan State, Myanmar.

Betel nuts for betel chewing

Cluster of bright red betel nuts, the seeds of the areca palm (Areca catechu), hanging from the tree with green palm fronds in the background.

Cluster of glossy, heart-shaped green leaves of the betel pepper plant, Piper betle, with visible raindrops on the surface.

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