How are betel leaves (paan) graded and sold for the best rate after picking?

Betel leaves are sold by grade and count, so careful picking and sorting decides your rate. Pick leaves at the right tender mature stage, handle gently to avoid bruising, then sort by size, colour and freedom from spots, since large, soft, evenly coloured unblemished leaves of the preferred variety fetch the top price and torn or spotted leaves go cheap. Leaves are usually tied in counted bundles, with traditional counts and bundle names varying by region. Because leaves wilt fast, keep them cool and moist after picking, often wrapped in wet cloth, and move them to market quickly. Grading honestly into clear quality lots and presenting fresh, clean, well counted bundles is what gets a better rate than selling a mixed unsorted heap. Confirm the local counts and preferred variety with your nearby paan market.