About

Betel leaf has been known in India since ancient times. According to Skanda Purana, betel leaf is one of the celestial objects that emerged during Samudra Manthan. There is a reference to betel leaf in Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas and the medicinal properties of betel leaf were known to India even as early as 400 BC, with evidence of its use during the Harappan civilization. Even today, betel leaf is an essential component in Hindu rituals at all auspicious events, and offering a “tambula” has great significance in Indian traditional hospitality. The nutritional value of betel leaf is noteworthy, being rich in fiber, vitamins A, B, C and minerals like calcium, iron and potassium.

Nitte University DST Technology Enabling Center (DST TEC) was approached by a young entrepreneur, Mr. Sandeep Eshanya, who had a great fascination for betel leaves, having watched the betel leaf grow extensively in his native and wanted to do something to improve the utilization of this valuable resource. DST TEC encouraged and supported him by initiating the study with Dr. Mamatha B.S, faculty at Nitte University Center for Science Education and Research to work on this. With her background in food technology, in discussion with Eshanya, she developed a process for making “Betel Leaf Tea” using betel leaves. Nitte University DST Technology Enabling Center extended all support at every stage to develop a product that could be delivered to customers as “betel leaf tea bags”. The process of preparing tea bags from betel leaves without losing nutrients, medicinal properties and in original flavor or incorporating different flavors had to be standardized through extensive laboratory studies and consumer acceptance trials. The process has been protected by a shared patent. Nitte University authorized M/S Eshanya Beverages, a Startup to commercialize the technology through an agreement. M/S Eshanya Beverages incubated at the M.S.Ramaiah Institute incubator and the product is now ready for release to the market.

During the press meet on April 14, the Hon’ Vice Chancellor, Nitte University will be releasing the product to the market. Nitte University is happy to see that the research work done at the University has led to a commercial product that can reach consumers in India and overseas through a Startup, M/S Eshanya Beverages. Nitte University has developed and is implementing a Startup Policy to encourage young entrepreneurs to work with University Faculty to develop and commercialize products. The support of the Technology Enabling Centre of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India awarded to Nitte University is gratefully acknowledged. There are some other products that are at pilot scale or at market-ready stage and these will be released during National Technology Day celebration at Nitte University on May 11, 2023.

Event Date : 2023-04-14

Venue : The Ocean Pearl

Last updated 2023-04-15 05:13:27