KASARGOD, India -- In India, the world's largest producer and consumer of betel nut, known locally as areca, the fruit has long been chewed and used for religious and cultural ceremonies. But interest in utilizing the nuts to produce powerful, environmentally sound fabric dyes is beginning to grow.
Life
Indian textile industry finds fresh use for betel nut
Natural dye more sustainable option than alternatives harvested from wild
Adike chogaru, the syrup produced when young betel nuts are boiled, can be used to make a dye to produce a range of colors, from brown to pink, garnet and beige. (Photo by Shailesh Swarga)
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