Discover the fascinating world of tangerine peel. Explore its health benefits, side effects, culinary uses, and proper dosage. Learn how to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your cooking and wellness routines.

Unveiling the Secrets of Dried Tangerine Peel

Dried tangerine peel, also known as chenpi, chen pi, or chimpi, is a cherished ingredient in Chinese cuisine and traditional medicine. This aromatic and flavorful peel is obtained from the rind of tangerines or mandarin oranges, and its uses extend far beyond just culinary delights.

The Art of Crafting Dried Tangerine Peel

The process of creating dried tangerine peel is a true labor of love. The peels are typically harvested from unripe tangerines or mandarin oranges, then dried under the sun for weeks or even months. The longer the peel is aged, the more complex and sought-after its flavor becomes, with some high-quality varieties commanding premium prices of up to $5 per gram.

Unlocking the Health Benefits of Dried Tangerine Peel

Dried tangerine peel is not just a flavor-enhancing ingredient; it also boasts an impressive array of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to support digestive health, respiratory function, and even weight management. However, it’s important to be mindful of the recommended dosage to avoid any potential side effects.

Culinary Delights: Exploring the Versatility of Dried Tangerine Peel

In the kitchen, dried tangerine peel shines in both sweet and savory dishes. Its aromatic bitterness and hint of sweetness add depth and complexity to a wide range of Chinese recipes, from the famous Szechuan orange chicken to soothing red bean soup. The peel can also be used to infuse herbal teas with a citrusy fragrance.

Sourcing and Storing Dried Tangerine Peel

Dried tangerine peel can be found at Asian markets, select health food stores, and online retailers. When purchasing, look for peel that is stored in an airtight container and is not crumbly. The color, ranging from dark orange to black, does not necessarily reflect the quality. Properly stored, dried tangerine peel can last indefinitely.

Unlocking the Versatility of Dried Tangerine Peel in the Kitchen

To use dried tangerine peel in your cooking, it’s often recommended to rehydrate the peel by soaking it in water before use. This can help soften the texture and mellow the bitterness. Some recipes, such as long-simmering stews, may not require this step. Experiment with adding the peel to a variety of dishes to discover its unique flavor profile.

How to Make Dried Tangerine Peel at Home

Making your own dried tangerine peel is a straightforward process. Start by peeling the rind from fresh tangerines or mandarin oranges, being careful not to pierce the peel and release the oils. Hang the peels in a sunny spot or lay them on a baking sheet, turning them regularly, until they are fully dried. This can take anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on the humidity and sun exposure. Once dry, store the peels in an airtight container to age and develop their flavor.

Exploring the Nuances of Dried Tangerine Peel Flavor

Dried tangerine peel has a distinctive bitter taste that adds a unique depth of flavor to a wide range of dishes. Its aromatic citrus notes are reminiscent of fresh tangerine or mandarin orange peels, with a hint of sweetness that balances the bitterness. When cooked, the texture of the peel becomes soft and chewy, making it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet preparations.

Incorporating Dried Tangerine Peel into Your Cooking

Dried tangerine peel can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. It can be added to long-simmering stews and braises, where its flavors have time to meld with the other ingredients. The peel can also be used to infuse teas, lending a fragrant citrus note to herbal blends. For a more pronounced flavor, the peel can be chopped or sliced and added to dishes towards the end of cooking.

Exploring the Culinary Versatility of Dried Tangerine Peel

While dried tangerine peel is a staple in Chinese cuisine, its applications extend far beyond the confines of traditional dishes. Experiment with incorporating the peel into your cooking, whether it’s adding a touch of bitterness to a sweet dessert, or using it to enhance the depth of flavor in savory sauces and marinades. The possibilities are endless when you unleash the versatility of this remarkable ingredient.

What Is Dried Tangerine Peel?

Dried tangerine peel (or chenpi) is exactly what it sounds like—the peel of a tangerine that’s dried and aged. The ingredient has been featured in Chinese cooking for hundreds of years and is used in savory and sweet dishes as well as teas. Xinhui, in China’s Guangdong Province, is famous for making dried mandarin orange peels.

Fast Facts

• Also Known as: chenpi, chen pi, chimpi, mandarin orange peel, dried citrus peel, and dried orange peel
• Shelf Life: will last indefinitely if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place
• Common Uses: Chinese cuisine
• Where to Find It: Asian markets, some health food stores, and online

What Is Dried Tangerine Peel?

Dried tangerine peel is often made using green, unripe tangerines or mandarin oranges. The ingredient is made by peeling citrus fruit and drying the peels in the sun before storing them away to age anywhere from several months to 70 years. The longer the peel is aged, the more it is prized for its depth of flavor. This means that high-quality, long-aged dried tangerine peel can be pricey, selling for up to $5 per gram.

Dried Tangerine Peel Uses

With its aromatic bitter and sweet flavor, dried tangerine peel is added to sweet and savory Chinese dishes. It’s also frequently added to herbal and whole leaf teas.

How to Cook With Dried Tangerine Peel

Dried tangerine peel is often soaked in water to rehydrate lightly before it’s used in recipes. Sometimes the bitter white pith is scraped off the soaked peel before use, and the hydrated peel can be chopped if desired. Some dishes, like long-simmering stews, don’t require soaking the peel first.

You can make your own dried tangerine peel at home. Make a few small cuts at the base of your tangerines or mandarin oranges and remove the entire peel in one piece. If desired, scrape off the white pith using a paring knife. Be careful not to pierce the peel, as this will release the oils, which oxidize when exposed to air. String the peels on a piece of thin twine and hang by a sunny window for one to three weeks or until fully dried. Alternatively, lay the peels out on a baking sheet and set in the sun, turning often. The amount of time needed to completely dry the peels will depend on the humidity and how much sun they’re getting. Store in an airtight container to age for at least a few months before using or up to several years.

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What Does It Taste Like?

Dried tangerine peel has a distinctive bitter taste that adds a unique flavor to quick dishes, long simmers, and herbal infusions. It is aromatic like a fresh citrus peel, with a hint of sweetness. When cooked, the texture becomes soft and chewy, much like a fresh citrus peel. The peel is not eaten on its own but is used to add complexity to a wide range of dishes.

Recipes

The peel is used in sweet dishes like red bean soup and in savory dishes like the famous Szechuan dish, orange chicken. Try adding dried tangerine peel to herbal tea for a citrus fragrance and a hit of bitter fruity flavor.

• Szechuan Orange Chicken
• Chinese Steamed Beef Balls
• Red Bean Soup

Where to Buy

Dried tangerine peel is available at Asian markets, some health food stores, and online. It is sometimes sold whole or cut into strips, and it can occasionally be found in powder form. Its color can range from dark orange to black and does not reflect the quality. Labels may read chenpi, chen pi, chimpi, mandarin orange peel, dried citrus peel, or dried orange peel. Look for peel that is stored in an airtight container and is not crumbly. Chenpi that has been aged longer will typically cost more and is believed to be of higher quality.

Storage

Dried tangerine peel should be stored in an airtight container in a dry, dark place. If kept in ideal conditions, the peel will last indefinitely.

Since dried tangerine peel is so shelf-stable, there’s no need to refrigerate or freeze it. Store cooked dishes containing the peel as you would normally store leftovers.

Tips for Cooking Chinese Food

Dried Tangerine Peel – All Things Health

What is Dried Tangerine Peel?

Dried Tangerine Peel (chen pi, 陈皮) comes from Tangerines, the second-largest cultivated citrus fruit after oranges, also known as Mandarin Oranges. Just like Oranges, Tangerines are orange in colour, though some varieties may come with shades of green or red. However, Tangerines are slightly smaller, less round and easier to peel by hand as compared to Oranges.

According to a common saying in China’s Southern Guangdong province, aged Dried Tangerine Peels are as precious as nuggets of gold. To prepare Dried Tangerine Peel, the peels are usually dried under the Sun before going through at least three years of storage.

While the Sun Dried Tangerine Peels mature, the essential oils in the citrus peels begin to dissipate, and will eventually penetrate its entire surface, which then releases a mellow scent. In the Compendium of Materia Medica, it is said that Dried Tangerine Peels can “cure a hundred illnesses” and has the ability to relieve body heat and dampness. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dried Tangerine Peels fall under the category of ‘Herbs that regulate qi”. This herb can treat Qi Stagnation, which may cause psychological symptoms such as depression, irritability and mood swings if left untreated. 

Warm in nature, Dried Tangerine Peels can help individuals who are experiencing too much ‘Cold’ in their body, such as those who have Yin Excess or Yang Deficiency in their body, to restore a healthy yin-yang balance.

Bitter and pungent, Dried Tangerine Peels can cleanse the human body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. Also, this herb can promote the circulations of qi and body fluid. In particular, this herb targets the Lungs and the Spleen.

The drying process of tangerine peel releases flavonoids.

Functions and Benefits of Dried Tangerine Peels

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows that Dried Tangerine Peels have the following benefits.

Firstly, Dried Tangerine Peels can promote movement of qi in the Spleen and the Stomach to resolve Qi Stagnation in these two meridians. The herb can also stop the adverse rise of qi to arrest vomiting, dry Dampness, and invigorate the Spleen. Thus, Dry Tangerine Peels are suitable to relieve indigestion, nausea and vomiting caused by qi stagnation. Some other symptoms that this herb can help to tackle include hiccups, gastric pain, abdominal distension, stuffiness, fullness, diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and pain.

Secondly, Dried Tangerine Peels can dry Dampness and disperse Phlegm from the Lungs and Middle Burner. Hence, this herb can be used to resolve coughs caused by Damp-Phlegm or Cold-Phlegm.

Other than the above Dried Tangerine Peel benefits, these peels also have quite a number of beauty benefits. For example, it can help to fight acne by using its Vitamin C and antibacterial properties to kill bacteria. The herb also serves as an active skin toner, promotes collagen synthesis, and helps to slow down the ageing process with Vitamin C and antioxidants.

As Dried Tangerine Peels are high in antioxidants, this herb can protect our body by neutralizing the damaging effects of oxidative stress, which is caused by the accumulation of free radicals. Thus, this helps to prevent chronic conditions such as heart diseases, arthritis and cancer.

Dried Tangerine Peels can also help to protect the immune system, support brain health by protecting against chronic brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease, and aid weight loss by increasing one’s daily fibre intake.

How to Use Dried Tangerine Peels

Whole Dried Tangerine Peels are readily available in most herbal stores, markets and even some supermarkets. Health stores also sell products made from Dried Tangerine Peels, such as Citrus Peel powder, capsules, herbal tea or supplements.

Dried Tangerine Peels can be consumed directly or it can be added to your meals to add flavour. It is also added in mooncakes. The Dried Tangerine Peels Pu’Erh Tea is a great choice to drink during cold weather and it soothes the throat too. 

The typical dosage of Dried Tangerine Peels is 3-10g.

Dried Tangerine Peels can also be used to make DIY products. For example, you can immerse the peels of two Tangerines in warm water, leave it overnight, shake it in the next morning, throw out the Dried Tangerine Peels, and you will get a bottle of very effective toner. 

Brew a cup of dried tangerine peel (chen pi, 陈皮) tea to strengthen your digestive health.

Cautions and Side Effects of Dried Tangerine Peels

Dried Tangerine Peels should not be used when the individual is experiencing dry cough caused by Yin Deficiency. This could manifest as coughing blood as well. Also, this herb should be used with caution in cases of dry, excess Heat and sticky, yellow Phlegm.

Other than the above precautions, Dried Tangerine Peels are considered relatively safe, especially for long-term use. The American Herbal Products Association has given Dried Tangerine Peels a Class 1 rating, which means that it can be safely consumed when used appropriately.

Also, as of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with Dried Tangerine Peels. Of course, to be safe, it is always best practice to consult your healthcare provider before you decide to add Dried Tangerine Peels into your diet!

Summary

Here is a summary for Dried Tangerine Peels:

• Herb name (Chinese): 陈皮
• Herb name (Pin Yin): chén pí
• Herb name (English): Dried Tangerine Peel
• Herb name (Botanical): Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
• Origin of species: Citrus reticulata Blanco
• Part(s) of herb used: Pericarp
• Geo-specific habitat(s): Guangdong, Fujian, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Jiangxi
• Taste(s) & Properties: Bitter, pungent; Warm; Administrates the Spleen and Lung meridians
• Actions: Regulates circulation of bodily fluids for digestive functions; Strengthens physiological functions of the Spleen; Removes phlegm.

References

Yu, X., Sun, S., Guo, Y., Liu, Y., Yang, D., Li, G., & Lü, S. (2018). Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi): Botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of a frequently used traditional Chinese medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 220, 265-282. [Accessed on 25th September 2022]

Zhang, H., Cui, J., Tian, G., DiMarco-Crook, C., Gao, W., Zhao, C., … & Zheng, J. (2019). Efficiency of four different dietary preparation methods in extracting functional compounds from dried tangerine peel. Food chemistry, 289, 340-350. [Accessed on 25th September 2022]

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The contents of the All Things Health website are for informational and educational purposes only.
Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

What to do with tangerine peels: 7 unusual uses

If you love tangerines, then you know that after them there is always a large amount of peel. Most lovers of the southern fruit of the peel immediately throw it away. However, there are many other uses for tangerine peel. We will talk about them below.

First, about the storage of the peel. There are two ways to store tangerine peels:

• in the freezer – thoroughly washed and dried peel is cut into the desired pieces, placed in a plastic bag and frozen;
• in a glass jar – prepared peels are dried and put into a jar; the jar is kept in a dry, dark place.

1. Candied tangerine peels

Candied fruit is a favorite delicacy not only for children, but also for adults. They make mouth-watering slices from many berries and fruits, including tangerine peels.

To prepare candied fruits you will need:

• 1 kg of tangerines (peel),
• 0.8 kg sugar,
• 300 ml water.

Thoroughly wash fresh mandarin peel with a brush, dry and free from white veins. Then cut it into strips about 1 cm wide. Soak in cold water for 6 hours and then rinse under the tap. Pour clean cold water into the container and put the tangerine peel there for another 6 hours.

Transfer the rind to a saucepan and cover with fresh water. Boil 5 minutes. Remove the peel and drain the water.

Pour 300 ml of water into a saucepan and add sugar. Stir and bring to a boil. Dip the tangerine peel into the boiling syrup and simmer for about an hour, until the syrup has almost boiled away.

Put the finished candied fruits on parchment paper on a baking sheet and send to the oven, heated to a temperature of 60°C. Turning regularly, dry the candied fruits. You can dry them in the air, but such a process will take more time.

2. Tangerine peels as food flavoring

Shredded dried tangerine peel is often used as a food flavoring. It can be added to the dough for muffins or cookies – and then the pastry will acquire a unique tangerine flavor, notes of fruit will also appear in the taste.

If you want to make herbal tea, then add a few crushed pieces of tangerine peel to the tea leaves.

Peel powder is also added when marinating fish and meat.

3. The use of mandarin peel for medicinal purposes

Tangerine peels are also used in folk medicine.

• When coughing pour 2 tbsp. chopped peels (both dried and fresh can be used) with 2 cups of hot water and simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes. Leave for an hour. Take half a glass three times a day before meals.
• For nasal congestion, inhale: add the peel of a few tangerines to hot water, cover yourself and breathe over the steam.
• In case of increased gas formation or violation of the intestinal microflora, add powder from dried tangerine peels to food (1 tsp per reception).
• As a sedative for severe stress, it is recommended to brew black tea with dried rinds.
• For toe fungus, rub the affected area with fresh mandarin peel twice a day.

4. Mandarin peel cosmetics

Tangerine peels make excellent cosmetic products for the skin. Here are some recipes.

Tangerine Peel Tonic

The easiest option is to make a tonic using peels and mineral water. Pour the peel of one tangerine with a glass of mineral water and leave to infuse for a day. After 24 hours, the tonic is ready: wipe the skin with it twice a day.

Citrus lotion

Place the peels of 2-3 tangerines, 1-2 oranges and half a lemon in a bowl. Add a sprig of mint to them and fill everything with a glass of vodka. Put in a dark place for 12 days. Strain the lotion and store in a cool place. Wash your skin once a day. Dilute with a little mineral water before use.

Mandarin Peel Scrub

Grind the dried mandarin peels in a blender to a powder. Pour into a glass jar, cover with a lid and store in a dry, dark place. Pour a small amount of water before use and use as a regular scrub.

Tangerine peel mask for dry skin

Mix together the yolk of one egg, a small amount of dried tangerine peel powder and 0. 5 tsp. sour cream. Mix well and apply to face, neck and décolleté. After 20 minutes, remove the rest of the mask with a cotton pad and rinse with warm water.

5. Use of tangerine peels in everyday life

The pleasant smell of tangerine peel reminds us of winter and New Year holidays. Not surprisingly, peels are often used as an air freshener in the apartment. The washed peels are cut into small pieces, dried and placed in cloth or paper bags, which are then hung in different places in the apartment. During the heating season, the peel is placed directly on the radiators – from the heat, the smell of tangerines becomes even stronger and quickly fills the entire apartment with itself, uplifting.

Tangerine peels will help to get rid of unpleasant smell not only in the room, but also in shoes. To do this, put the crusts overnight, and even better for a day, in shoes, and then remove them.

Fresh tangerine peels are used to clean the inside of the microwave. To do this, put them on a saucer, pour some water there and put them in the microwave. Set the timer for 5-10 minutes at maximum power – after that, all that remains is to wipe the walls of the microwave with a soft cloth.

If you don’t know how to fire up the barbecue quickly, place dry tangerine peels on the coals. They ignite quickly and burn well, so they will help you when lighting.

6. Use of tangerine peels against harmful insects

Tangerine peels can also help in the fight against various harmful insects, and sometimes even animals.

Let’s start with cats. They really dislike the smell of crusts, and this feature will help to cope with some of the habits of furry pranksters. If your pet is constantly dirty, urinating not in the tray, but in any other place, put a few tangerine peels there. Having smelled the tangerine smell, the cat will begin to bypass these places.

You can use orange or lemon peels instead of tangerines: cats do not like the smell of any citrus fruits.

The same is true if a pet constantly digs the ground or lies in flower pots or containers with seedlings: leave a few crusts on the surface of the soil or bury them in the ground – and the cat will leave your green spaces alone. By the way, you can use not dry peels for these purposes, but a decoction of them.

Another “domestic” pest is the moth. To get rid of it and protect your clothes, place dry tangerine peels in linen bags and hang them in your wardrobe. You can also place the crusts directly on the shelves or put them in the pockets of fur, woolen or silk clothes, which the insatiable moth loves so much.

Tangerine peels are of great benefit in the fight against not only domestic, but also “country” pests.

If you are annoyed by ants, then grate the zest of 4-5 tangerines and make a gruel out of it by pouring a glass of warm water. Stir and pour “tangerine water” directly on the anthill or pour it over those places where ants are often found. If necessary, repeat the procedure after a while.

One of the main enemies of gardeners is the Colorado potato beetle. Some argue that you can cope with it with the help of dried tangerine and orange peels. When landing, they are thrown directly into a hole or furrow – this scares off the Colorado potato beetle, and at the same time the wireworm.

Mosquitoes are not the most pleasant neighbors in the dacha. To ward off annoying insects, smear exposed areas of the body with tangerine peel tincture.

7. Mandarin peel plant food

Tangerine peels are used as top dressing for growing plants, because they contain potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium necessary for all cultures. Cut the peel into small pieces and bury in the beds to a depth of about 5 cm. Water the plantings. Powder from dried peels can also be used for these purposes.

What are some ways you can use tangerine peels? Share in the comments.

How and to whom tangerine peel is useful

https://crimea.ria. ru/20221130/chem-i-komu-polezna-mandarinovaya-kozhura-1125622339.html

How and to whom tangerine peel is useful

What and to whom tangerine peel is useful – RIA Novosti Krym, 30.11.2022

Why and to whom tangerine peel is useful

The peel of tangerines contains much more vitamins than the pulp of the fruit. Therefore, peels are considered more useful for strengthening immunity, doctors say, and RIA Novosti Crimea, 11/30/2022

2022-11-30T21:23

2022-11-30T21:23

2022-11-30T21:23

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SIMFEROPOL, November 30 – RIA Novosti Crimea. The peel of tangerines contains much more vitamins than the pulp of the fruit. Therefore, peels are considered more useful for strengthening immunity, doctors say, and they give several simple ways to prepare them. He notes that a decoction of tangerine and chamomile peels will improve bowel and pancreatic function. You can also brew tangerine peel for diseases of the respiratory system such as bronchitis and acute respiratory infections. In addition, according to the toxicologist, tangerine peel also helps diabetics – it must be boiled without sugar and drink the broth in small quantities. At the same time, it is better to dry the tangerine peels first and only then prepare a decoction from them. “Any use of tangerine peels is possible only if you are not allergic to tangerines, and you do not suffer from high acidity, gastritis, ulcers or pancreatitis,” – reminds a specialist. You can also make candied fruits from tangerine peels – by boiling them in syrup. You can also make tangerine peel jam. It will retain useful properties and will be stored for a long time. Dried tangerine peels can also be used as a natural flavoring and seasoning. Tonics or face lotions made from tangerine peels are useful.

https://crimea.ria.ru/20211208/kak-vybrat-vkusnye-mandariny-1121669754.html

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Simferopol, November 30-RIA Novosti Crimea. The peel of tangerines contains much more vitamins than the pulp of the fruit. Therefore, peels are considered more useful for strengthening immunity, doctors say, and they give several simple ways to prepare them.

“The peel of citrus fruits always contains more vitamins C, A, E than the pulp. The peels are also rich in essential oils, pectin, potassium and phosphorus. Tangerine peel is good for the heart, improving the functioning of the immune system and the gastrointestinal tract,” quotes ” Dr.