The unexpected combination of traditional betel leaves and modern chocolate was born from the creative idea of farmers in Ramanagara, when they sought to create a new and unique product.
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many challenges for the agricultural sector here. During the lockdown, the consumption of betel leaves decreased, leading to a surplus of products. Farmers were forced to find new ways to sell their products. However, betel farmers have turned the difficulty into motivation to create a new product, bringing added value to betel leaves.
The surprising combination of traditional betel leaves and modern chocolate was born from the creative idea of farmers in Ramanagara.
As an ancient cultural symbol, the betel plant not only has economic value but also has a deep spiritual meaning for Indians. Therefore, when receiving the call from farmers in difficulty, scientists were determined to find a creative solution that both honors traditional values and meets modern market needs.
Unusual but delicious combination
The idea of combining betel leaves with chocolate is a clear demonstration of human creativity. From a traditional plant, betel leaves have been transformed into a modern product, meeting the needs of young consumers.
Explaining the process of producing betel-flavored chocolate, scientists said that betel leaves will be dried, ground into powder and mixed with other ingredients of the chocolate bar. The products from the research show that they are not only delicious but also good for health and have very good antibacterial effects.
Betel is one of the plants that plays an important role in the economy and culture of India. Indians often use betel as a cigarette or as an offering when worshiping gods or celebrating weddings. In the state of Karnataka, more than 7,000 hectares of land are used for betel cultivation. It is also grown especially in Ramanagara district and the suburbs of Bengaluru city of India.
