Category: Cultural significance

The areca nut, popularly known as betel nut, is the seed of the fruit from the areca palm tree, *Areca catechu*, which is indigenous to tropical parts of Asia and East Africa. Scientifically, despite its common name, it is not a true nut, but rather the seed of a fruit classified as a berry or drupe. This botanical distinction clarifies its categorization within the plant kingdom, placing it firmly in the palm family, Arecaceae.

In coastal South Indian states like Kerala, where the tropical climate is ideal for coconut cultivation, the coconut palm is celebrated as the 'Kalpavriksha' or 'tree of life'. This deep regional connection is a primary reason why South Indians use coconut oil, incorporating it into almost every aspect of daily life, from cuisine to wellness rituals.

Over 11 million smallholder farmers worldwide rely on the coconut value chain for their livelihood, a testament to the fruit's immense economic importance. This extraordinary fruit, often called the 'tree of life,' provides a staggering array of resources that are indispensable to tropical communities, highlighting exactly why is coconut important to humans.

Religious traditions, most notably the Jewish festival of Passover, forbid the consumption of leavened bread, known as *chametz*, for a week. This practice is a central pillar of the observance, rooted in historical events and deep spiritual symbolism.