PAAN, BETEL LEAVES , IT'S FLAVOR IN INDIA..

 PAAN AND ITS FLAVORS IN INDIA..

Chewing the mixture of areca nut and betel leaf 

is a tradition, custom or ritual which dates back

thousands of years from India to the Pacific.

Mukhwas is a colorful Indian after-meal snack

or digestive aid. It also freshens breath. 'Paan,' 

from the word pan in  'पान ' , is a South, East 

and South East Asian tradition of chewing Betel 

leaf  with areca nut and slaked lime. The Areca 

nut is the seed of the Areca palm, it is commonly

referred to as "betel nut" as it is often chewed

wrapped in betel leaves. It is heart shaped leaves 

and is a perennial evergreen creeper.

There is archaeological evidence that the betel 

leaves have been chewed along with the areca

nut since very ancient times. According to 

traditional Ayurvedic medicine, chewing

areca nut and betel leaf is a remedy for bad 

breath. They are also said to have aphrodisiac

properties.

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 multicolored, sweetened, candy-like

fennel seeds are used.

Paan flavored ice creams and milkshake are

very popular in India..

A PAAN FLAVOR MILK SHAKE RECIPE

FROM MY COLLECTION 4 THIS SUMMER..

PAAN FALOODA MILKSHAKE

Ings: 

2 Calcutta Paan Leaves (Betel leaves),

4 cups of chilled Milk (with out cream),

2 tbsp of cut Jelly pieces (mint or strawberry),

2 tbsp Falooda seeds or sabja (soak till bloat),

2 tbsp Gulkand, 

4 tbsp Sugar,

4 tbsp Water,

2 scoops Vanilla Icecream,

Crushed Ice.

Method: Paan Syrup;

Wash and cut paan leaves, grind in mixer

with sugar and 2tbsp of water. Strain and 

keep aside.

Soak Falooda seeds for 4 to 5 hours, 

drain water before serving.

Prepare Jelly of choice and when set, 

cut into pieces.

To make Milkshake:

In mixer jar pour milk, paan syrup,

Gulkand, Crushed ice and some ice

cream. Blend well.

To serve the milkshake:

Take a tall glass, put ice cream (one scoop) 

at the base of the glass, on it Falooda seeds,

Jelly pieces and now pour the milkshake.

Serve chilled.