2023 Chen Pi – Dried Mandarin Peel - Option: 1 kg

Chen Pi 陈皮 is a traditional ingredient in Chinese cuisine, tea culture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. At first glance, it is something very simple – the dried peel of the mandarin Citrus reticulata. In China, however, high-quality mandarin peel has been used and stored for centuries, valued not only for its distinctive aroma and characteristic taste, but also for its ability to transform through long-term ageing.

The name itself reflects its nature very well. Pi 皮 means peel or skin, while Chen 陈 refers to something old, aged or matured. Over time, ordinary dried mandarin peel can thus develop into an increasingly complex aromatic ingredient.

Aroma and taste

Chen Pi has an intense aroma of dried mandarin, citrus essential oils and sweet spices, complemented by herbal notes and a pleasant bitterness. In the infusion, the pronounced citrus fragrance gradually softens, revealing sweeter, warmer and subtly spicy nuances.

The natural bitterness of the peel creates an interesting contrast with its sweet fragrance and is one of the reasons why Chen Pi combines so well with tea.

Small natural deposits or crystallised compounds originating from the citrus peel and its essential oils may occasionally appear on the surface. These do not in themselves indicate a defect in the product.

Chen Pi in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chen Pi also holds an important place in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Traditionally, it is classified as having a pungent and bitter taste and a warm thermal nature, and is associated primarily with the Spleen and Lung meridians.

In the classical terminology of Chinese medicine, Chen Pi appears in connection with concepts such as Qi 气, Tan 痰 – Phlegm and Shi 湿 – Dampness. These are concepts belonging to the traditional Chinese system and should not be directly equated with diagnoses or physiological mechanisms of modern medicine.

Interestingly, time also plays an important role in Chen Pi from the perspective of Chinese tradition. Older, well-preserved peel has traditionally been valued more highly than freshly dried peel.

Chen Pi and tea

For tea lovers, Chen Pi is particularly interesting in combination with Pu-erh and other dark teas. Its mature citrus aroma combines beautifully with the earthy, woody and sweet notes of Shu Pu-erh. This pairing is also the basis of traditional teas in which Pu-erh is packed directly into hollowed-out mandarins.

Chen Pi can also simply be added to your own tea. Just a few small pieces are enough – its aroma is quite intense and should not overpower the tea itself. It combines particularly well with Shu Pu-erh, Liu Bao, darker oolongs and black teas.

Use in cooking

Chen Pi is also a traditional ingredient in Chinese cuisine. In small quantities, it is used in broths, braised dishes, sauces, marinades and sweet dishes. It combines particularly well with ingredients such as ginger, cinnamon and star anise.

Before use, the peel can be briefly rinsed or soaked and, depending on the recipe, used whole, broken into smaller pieces or finely sliced.

Preparation as an infusion

2–3 g / 250–300 ml
90–100 °C
5–10 minutes

Chen Pi can be infused repeatedly. With subsequent infusions, the pronounced citrus fragrance gradually softens and sweeter, herbal and spicy notes become more prominent.

Combined with tea

We recommend adding approximately 0.5–1.5 g of Chen Pi to a regular serving of tea. Start with a smaller amount and adjust the ratio according to your taste. It is particularly suitable in combination with Shu Pu-erh or other dark teas.

Maximum daily amount: 6 g.

Ageing Chen Pi

One of the most fascinating characteristics of Chen Pi is its potential for further ageing. Younger peel tends to be fresher, distinctly citrusy and sharper, while long-term storage gradually rounds out its aroma and allows deeper notes of dried citrus, herbs, spices and wood to emerge. This is why older Chen Pi has traditionally been particularly highly valued.

You can therefore keep part of your Chen Pi for your own ageing. Store it in a dry, dark place at a stable room temperature and away from foreign odours. For longer-term ageing, a clean paper bag placed inside a cardboard box or a suitable ceramic container can be used, protecting the peel from light and dust without sealing it completely airtight. It is advisable to inspect the peel several times a year and, above all, to protect it from excessive humidity.

You can mark the year of purchase on the packaging and use part of your supply gradually while leaving the rest to mature for several years. Much like aged tea, time itself can thus become another part of the character of Chen Pi.

Ingredients

100% dried mandarin peel (Citrus reticulata), Chen Pi 陈皮.

Warning

Do not exceed the recommended maximum daily amount of 6 g. Store in a dry, dark place out of reach of children. Not intended for children under 3 years of age.