Throughout Asia, it used to be customary for most homes to have special compartmentalized boxes or trays that were used to hold the various materials used to make fresh betel nut quids. A typical box would have separate compartments for sliced betel nuts, fresh betel leaf and various spices such as cardamom, fennel, saffron and lime powder. When guests would visit, they would be presented with a fully stocked box with all the makings of a tasty betel chew. These rustic, antique betel boxes are part of an age-old custom and make for a great conversation piece.

Betel nut, for those unfamiliar, is a mild stimulant that is chewed throughout the Asian continent. The almost ceremonial and habitual chewing of the betel nut usually involves four ingredients: areca nut (bunga), fresh pepper leaves (buyo), powder lime (apug), and damp tobacco leaves. Slaked lime (Calcium Hydroxide) is used to release the alkaloid in the Betel Nut.