Decorative green signs on betel-nut stalls tell consumers what flavor to expect.
Depending on the place of origin, betel nuts can be tough or soft. They come in two basic types, 'white flesh' and 'red flesh.' White flesh betel nuts are crisper at first bite, "and they are juicier too; most people prefer them," says dealer Wu Chien-hui. The more sharply pointed red flesh nuts have a more stringy texture.
During the off season from April to June, betel nut chewers fall back on canned boiled betel nuts. "They are brownish in color and not very nice to eat, but there are no fresh ones around. Just a hint of the aroma is enough," one taxi driver points out.
Betel nuts are prepared with a variety of lime fillings which are a key to the success of particular brands. "We soak the lime in a mixture of kaoliang wine, water, salt and MSG. The longer it soaks the better, and the minimum is two months," Wu Chien-hui says.
Ground plums, honey, Chinese herbal medicine and ground tea leaves are also added to white lime, producing the varieties known as red and black lime. Betel nut retailers purchase red lime from well known suppliers and display their trade marks, names such as 'Chin Kuo Hua' and 'Ah Ch'iu'. "Chin Kuo Hua lime is rather hot and more expensive, while Ah Ch'iu lime suits average tastes," says magazine advertising executive Wu Jung-k'un. "Southern Taiwan firms take more care over their lime so it is better tasting than the northern Taiwan variety," says broadcaster Wu Ch'i-wen. No wonder all the more famous brands come from southern Taiwan.
Betel nuts with a red lime filling are wrapped in a special leaf or vine. "In the south they usually eat leaf-wrapped betel nuts which have a stronger, hotter taste and last longer. Northern urbanites prefer red lime," says Wu Chien-hui, who also sells betel nuts in Taipei. White lime gives a redder juice than red lime, which may be one reason why red lime is preferred in Taipei.
[Picture Caption]
Single rows of betel nut palms marking the edge of afield are becoming an ever rarer sight in the countryside of Taiwan.
Closely spaced betel-nut stalls often line both sides of the road.
Closely spaced betel-nut stalls often line both sides of the road.
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