what is paan?

India
January 17, 2010 4:23am CST
Paan,from the word pan is a south,east and south east asian tradition of chewing betal leaf[Piper betle]with areca nut.........there are regional variations........ Paan is chewed as a palate cleanser and a breath freshener......It is offered to guests and visitors as a sign of hospitality and at the beginning of social events........It has a symbolic value at ceremonies and cultural events in south and south east asia.......Paan makers may use mukhwas or tobacco in paan fillings............most paan contains areca nuts as a filling.....other types include what is called sweet paan,where sugar,candied fruit and fennel seeds are used.
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