As a traditional Chinese ingredient with medicinal properties, dried tangerine Peel (Chenpi) has a long history in China. It is frequently used in daily life and is also recorded in the “Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica.”

Dried tangerine peel has a pungent and slightly bitter taste, with a warm nature. It is known for its ability to regulate qi and strengthen the spleen, as well as to dry dampness and transform phlegm. As the weather turns cooler in autumn and winter, and our diet becomes more warming, those who focus on health preservation often use it to dispel cold.

In addition, many people enjoy Steeping dried tangerine peel in hot water to drink. Its aroma is pure and intense, and its flavor is rich and sweet, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. It is suitable for people of all ages to enjoy.

Those familiar with dried tangerine peel know that tangerine trees can be found across the country, and their fruit can be processed into dried tangerine peel. However, the most famous variety is Guang Chenpi, among which Xinhui Chenpi is recognized as having the best quality. It has received widespread acclaim and has been included in the national list of representative projects for intangible cultural heritage in traditional medicine.

With the growing popularity of dried tangerine peel, there are more and more products available in the market. How should consumers identify and select high-quality dried tangerine peel?

The process of selecting dried tangerine peel is similar to choosing Tea, focusing on appearance and intrinsic qualities. Generally, this involves examining the appearance, smelling the aroma, observing the oil spots, and tasting the flavor.

Selection Method One: Examine the Appearance

For younger aged dried tangerine peel, the inner surface is pale, and the outer color is bright (bright red, dark red, etc.).

For older aged dried tangerine peel, the inner fibrous layer has naturally fallen off, and both the inside and outside are brown or black.

Lower quality dried tangerine peel not only has inconsistent color and thickness but also shows severe shedding of the inner fibrous material and an overly hard or soft outer skin. Regardless of how long it has aged, the inner and outer surfaces should have clear textures and appear glossy and moist.

Selection Method Two: Smell the Aroma

Taking Xinhui Chenpi, widely acknowledged as the best, as an example, due to the dense oil glands in the tangerine peel, the volatile oils contain a wide variety of aromatic compounds. Therefore, the aroma of the dried tangerine peel changes significantly at different stages.

Within three years, because of the short aging period, the aroma still retains the fresh, fruity scent, along with a slight sourness and sweetness;

After three years, as the dried tangerine peel is exposed to air for longer periods, the initial sharp and green scents fade, and a sweeter aroma gradually emerges;

Starting from ten years, a richer medicinal and aged fragrance develops.

Lower quality dried tangerine peel not only has fewer oil glands but also exhibits a thinner, simpler aroma. As the aging time increases, the aroma does not change much and can become dull and stagnant.

Selection Method Three: Observe the Oil Spots

The number of oil spots on dried tangerine peel directly reflects its medicinal and nutritional value. Upon close examination, we find that high-quality dried tangerine peel is covered with uniformly sized, sunken oil spots, while lower quality varieties either have fewer spots or they are scattered irregularly.

Selection Method Four: Taste the Flavor

For younger aged dried tangerine peel, because it still contains active components, it has a clean, sweet taste with a fruity sourness or sweetness, and its fruity aroma is prominent.

For older aged dried tangerine peel, it tastes smooth and sweet, with a viscous texture and a golden, transparent broth.

Compared to high-quality dried tangerine peel, lower quality varieties not only have a simpler aroma but also, if the age is falsified, exhibit a pronounced sourness or spiciness when steeped for a long time.

Selection Method Five: Choose the Vendor

After understanding what makes good and bad dried tangerine peel, choosing a vendor is also crucial when purchasing it.

Due to the abundance of vendors selling dried tangerine peel, it is essential to buy from trustworthy and reliable sources. Alternatively, you can seek guidance from someone knowledgeable about dried tangerine peel.

The price of older aged dried tangerine peel is relatively higher. If you encounter 20-year-old dried tangerine peel priced at just a few dozen dollars or even less, be cautious. Do not buy it!

In summary: High-quality, long-aged dried tangerine peel is produced by combining geographical advantages and proper storage conditions. Due to its scarcity, tea enthusiasts must learn to distinguish between good and poor quality, as well as authenticity. Purchase from reputable vendors and avoid blindly pursuing older aged dried tangerine peel to prevent being deceived.

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