Mishri (Masheri, Misheri)

COMMON NAMES:

Misri

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF USE:

Maharashtra (India)

PRODUCT CONSTITUENTS:

Tobacco

HOW USED:

Applied to the teeth and gums, often for the purpose of cleaning the teeth. Users then tend to hold it in their mouths (due to the nicotine addiction).

WHO USES:

Predominantly women. More common in lower socio-economic groups.

PROCESSING / MANUFACTURING:

Tobacco is baked on a hot metal plate until toasted or partially burnt, then powdered.