Chenpi facts for kids
Chenpi or, also called chen pi, is sun-dried tangerine peel used as a traditional seasoning in Chinese cooking and traditional medicine. They have a bitter taste.
Production method
Xinhui chenpi is famous for its special production technique, where emphasis is put on peeling and storage methods. People can also do it at home.
- Wash tangerine peel with water and dry it with a towel.
- Peel off the skin into three equal parts with the base connecting to each other. (Do not scratch the pulp, as the juice inside would contaminate the quality of the final product.)
- Remove the peel carefully, and turn it over after the peel softens.
- Dry the peel with sunlight.
- Store the peel in a dry and cool place; or seal it in a air-tight container and dry under sunlight regularly, to ensure the peel is in good condition.
- After years of aging, the peel would transform into Chenpi.
Preparation
Prior to consumption, chenpi is soaked and rinsed with cold water until it becomes soft; the soaking time is recommended to be no longer than half an hour with a view to retain its flavour. Afterwards, the white pith is gently scraped off from the softened peel.
Uses
Cuisine
Some tong sui desserts such as red bean soup will use this ingredient occasionally. Chenpi is used to make the Hunanese dish orange chicken. It can be also utilised for other kinds of food and beverage such as porridge, duck and pigeon, mooncakes, green bean soup, jam and wine. Drinking chenpi infused tea is beneficial to sore throat and helps with poor appetite and digestive problems.
Medicine
Chenpi is a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are used in regulation of ch'i (or qi), fortification of the Spleen, elimination of dampness, treating abdominal distension, to enhance digestion, and to reduce phlegm. It solves digestion problem by relieving intestinal gas and bloating. Chenpi can improve problems of pain, poor appetite, vomiting and hiccups. Its alcohol extracts relieve cough with copious sputum.
Availability
Whole citrus peel is readily available from most herbal markets and specialty food stores. Some stores also sell citrus peel powder or capsules.
See also
In Spanish: Chenpi para niños
