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Pinang salai . — “ Pinang salai ” is a smoked prepara- 
tion of betel nut. The fruits are placed on a bamboo 
grating, supported by mud walls. A fire of old betel 
nut husks is made under the grating ; this smoulders, 
giving off a large quantity of smoke, which rises 
through the grating and thoroughly smokes the 
fruits. After about five days the nuts can be 
removed from the husks, and are then dried in the 
sun for a couple of days, when they are ready for 
sale. These smoked nuts fetch the best price. 
Pinang asin . — “ Pinang asin ” is obtained by placing 
unripe fruits (green), mixed with salt, in sacks for 
two or three months ; this product is only prepared ■ 
to a small extent in the Muar district. 
Uses . — The betel nut is used extensively in the East 
as a masticatory, and it has been estimated that 
one tenth of the whole human race indulge in betel 
chewing. It is said, by those addicted to the habit, 
that it strengthens the gums, sweetens the breath 
and stimulates the digestive organs. 
In addition to its use as a .masticatory, it is em- 
ployed as a drug, and as an ingredient of various 
tooth pastes. 
The present local market price (Oct. 1923) is 18 to 
20 cents a kati, the export value being about $10 
per pikul. 
NIPAH. 
(Nipa fruticans). 
The nipah palm is found growing wild on the banks 
of tidal rivers, and in coastal swamps throughout 
the Malayan Archipelago, where it attains a height 
varying between 15 and 30 feet. 
