How to Chew Betel Nut in Papua New Guinea

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Gather the ingredients needed to chew betel nut.

   You will need the green betel nut (buai), a jar or bag of lime powder (kambang) and a bean-like green called mustard (daka).
   
   These can be bought on any street corner for about one Kina (30 cents). , Take the meaty center out of the shell and start chewing it.
   
   Do not swallow the fibrous residue of the nut as it is said to cause stomach aches. ,,, Make sure to not put the lime directly on your mouth or gums as they will feel a burning sensation.
   
   Instead try to bite the mustard seed directly into the betel nut wad.
   
   As you chew the mixture together, they will form a chemical reaction that will make your teeth and lips red and provide a mild high. , Most people just spit on the street so there is often red splattering of betel nut all along the street and sidewalks. , You may have a mild euphoric feeling because of betel nuts’ mild stimulant effects.
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   Step 2: Break the betel nut open by cracking the shell with your teeth.

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   Step 3: Chew the betel nut for 2-5 minutes or until it forms a wad in your mouth.

4. 4

   Step 4: Slightly moisten the mustard seed with your mouth and dip it into the jar/bag of lime powder.

5. 5

   Step 5: Move the betel nut wad to the side of your mouth and then bite off the piece of mustard seed that has the lime powder on it.

6. 6

   Step 6: Know that as you chew

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   Step 7: spit out the fibrous residue of the nut as needed.

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   Step 8: Keep chewing until there is no more betel nut left.

Detailed Guide

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