The pinang of Pulau Pinang

Wednesday, February 08 2012

DERIVING its name from the areca nut palm, or pinang as it is more popularly known, Penang has been inseparably linked with the plant. The Penang state flag and coat of arms, for example, have the palm prominently displayed on them. The areca, however, was not merely a symbol in the state; it occupied a significant place in the way of life of its peoples.

“The pinang tree has been a part of Penang for countless generations. With its many uses from trade to health to culture, the tree is a potent, unifying symbol for the island’s rich history and its diverse people... The pinang fruit is known as the betel nut. It is really an areca nut, traditionally wrapped with a betel leaf, or sirih, then chewed... It is believed to have originated from Malaysia and the Philippines." (Penang Economic Monthly)

Betel leaves are also used in the Nyonya, Malay and Indian cultures during marriage, and in other traditions and customs. They are also used in traditional medicine. Read here and here for more. Also, read here for how the betel nut plays an important role in other cultures around South East Asia.

How the pinang is chewed

Usually for chewing, a few slices of the nut are wrapped in a betel leaf along with lime and may include clove and tobacco.
While fresh, the husk is green and the nut inside is so soft that it can easily be cut with an average knife. In the ripe fruit the husk becomes yellow or orange and, as it dries, the fruit inside hardens to a wood-like consistency. At that stage the areca nut can only be sliced using a special scissor-like cutter.
A long brass tool can also used to mash the mixture into a pulp when one’s teeth can no longer bear the strenuous chewing activity. View photo gallery below.

Reference