Taiwanese food sucks!

[Andrew]

@Explant

Unfortunately the FDA has disallowed betel leaf (piper) as food, so a Thai style leaf wrap is no longer allowed makes perfect sense that betel nut chew wrapped in betel leaf and slapped with lime is still fine…the agriculture side of government are arguing and trying to turn this around with the FDA. But as usual, Taiwan FDA seems to be in their own world.

Really? That’s interesting. I’ve looked for it at times in the Wanhua produce market, and I actually asked you about whether it’s possible to get around this time last year.

Taiwanese vs. Vietnamese food

Actually, I was meaning to ask you (and/or @finley, or anyone else who knows) - do you know if it’s possible to get wild betel leaves here? I’m talking about Piper sarmentosum/Piper lolot, which I think is different from the betel leaves they wrap betel/areca nut in. It’s for making bo la lot. The seeds would also maybe be fine, as long as they’re not too difficult to grow. Couldn’t find those online or from the big Taiwanese seed companies either.