Older chenpi is often seen as more valuable, mainly due to flavor changes over time, scarcity, and storage costs.
Flavor Changes
As chenpi ages, its aroma becomes more restrained and the taste smoother, which is a key reason for the attention given to higher-aged peel.
Scarcity
Aging requires time, and usable stock typically decreases over the years, which can widen price differences.
Storage Costs
Long-term storage requires ventilation, moisture control, and periodic sunning, and these ongoing costs affect pricing.
Cultural and Collecting Perception
Chenpi carries symbolic meaning associated with time and aging in traditional contexts, which can influence value judgments.
Overall, “older means more valuable” is not absolute and should be evaluated alongside origin, age, storage condition, and actual quality.