Kooradakka facts for kids
The areca nut is a special fruit that grows on a tall, slender palm tree. Its scientific name is Areca catechu. In some parts of India, like Kerala, people call the small variety of this fruit "kooradakka." It's also widely known as "supari" or the common chewing nut. Even though it's called a nut, it's actually a fruit! The hard, round seed inside is the part that people use.
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What is the Areca Nut?
The areca nut comes from the areca palm tree. This tree is usually straight and doesn't have branches. It can grow many bunches of fruits at once. Each bunch can hold between three and ten groups of fruits. When the fruits are ready, they turn a bright orange color.
How Does the Areca Nut Grow?
When the areca fruits are ripe, their outer skin, called the husk, is removed. The hard, round seed inside is then cleaned. This seed is the part that is used. The areca nut is known to have some special properties. In Ayurveda, which is a traditional Indian medicine system, it is sometimes suggested for different health reasons.
Where Does the Areca Nut Grow?
Areca nuts are mostly grown in South India. You can find them in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. One village in Kerala, called Vattamkulam in the Malappuram district, is especially famous for its unique "kooradakka" variety.
Different Kinds of Areca Nuts
There are many different types, or varieties, of areca nuts grown in India. Some of the well-known kinds that farmers grow for sale include Subamangala, Mangala, Sumangala, and Mohitnagar. Other varieties are Hirehalli dwarf, Samruthi, VTLAH 1, VTLAH 2, Thirthahalli dwarf, and Srimangala. Each of these types has its own special features.
