Chenpi facts for kids

Chenpi drying in the sun

Chenpi, also known as chen pi, is a special ingredient from China. It's made from sun-dried tangerine peels. People use it as a seasoning in Chinese cooking. It's also important in traditional Chinese medicine. Chenpi has a slightly bitter taste.

How Chenpi is Made

Chenpi from Xinhui, China, is well-known for its unique way of being made. You can even try making it at home!

Here are the steps:

• First, wash the tangerine peel with water. Then, dry it with a towel.
• Carefully peel off the skin into three equal parts. Make sure the base of the peel stays connected. Try not to scratch the fruit inside, as its juice can affect the final product.
• Gently remove the peel. Once it softens, turn it over.
• Next, dry the peel under the sun.
• Store the dried peel in a cool, dry place. You can also seal it in an airtight container. Remember to dry it in the sun regularly to keep it in good condition.
• After several years of careful storage, the peel slowly changes into Chenpi. This aging process gives it its special qualities.

Getting Chenpi Ready to Use

Before you use Chenpi, you need to prepare it.

• Soak the dried peel in cold water until it becomes soft. It's best not to soak it for more than 30 minutes. This helps keep its flavor strong.
• After soaking, gently scrape off the white part (pith) from the softened peel. Now it's ready to be used!

What Chenpi is Used For

Sun-dried tangerine peels (Chenpi)

In Cooking

Chenpi adds a unique flavor to many dishes.

• You might find it in some Chinese desserts, like red bean soup.
• It's a key ingredient in the Hunanese dish called orange chicken.
• People also use Chenpi in other foods, such as porridge, duck, pigeon, and mooncakes.
• It can even be used to make green bean soup, jam, and wine.
• Drinking tea made with Chenpi can help if you have a sore throat. It also helps with a poor appetite or tummy troubles.

In Traditional Medicine

Chenpi is a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed to help with several things:

• It helps regulate ch'i, which is seen as the body's energy.
• It is thought to strengthen the spleen.
• Chenpi can help remove dampness from the body.
• It is used to ease abdominal distension (a bloated feeling).
• It can improve digestion and reduce phlegm.
• By relieving gas and bloating, it helps with digestion problems.
• Chenpi may also help with pain, poor appetite, throwing up, and hiccups.
• Extracts from Chenpi can even help relieve coughs that produce a lot of mucus.

Where to Find Chenpi

You can easily find whole dried citrus peel in most herbal markets. Many specialty food stores also sell it. Some places even offer Chenpi as a powder or in capsules.

See also

In Spanish: Chenpi para niños