After brewing a fragrant pot of Chenpi (dried tangerine peel) water, what should you do with the remaining peel? It seems wasteful to throw it away. In fact, boiled Chenpi is perfectly edible and still holds nutritional value.
Why You Should Eat Steeped Chenpi?
- Texture Transformation: After boiling, the once hard peel becomes soft, tender, and slightly sweet.
- Rich in Dietary Fiber: Chenpi is full of fiber, which helps lubricate the intestines and support digestive health when consumed.
- Utilizing Residual Nutrients: While some volatile oils enter the water, flavonoids and antioxidants inside the peel are not fully lost. Eating it allows for more comprehensive nutrient absorption.
Five Recommended Ways to Use It
1. Creative Drinks and Desserts
Adding boiled Chenpi to other desserts is a great way to stay cool. Try making Chenpi Red Bean Soup, Green Bean Paste, or a simple Chenpi syrup. The soft texture adds a unique aged fragrance to any sweet treat.
2. Meat Fillings
Chop or shred the softened Chenpi and mix it into pork or beef fillings. Whether making steamed buns, dumplings, or meat pies, it effectively cuts through the greasiness and adds a subtle citrus aroma.
3. Nutritious Rice Paste and Soy Milk
For families with elderly members or children, put the boiled Chenpi into a blender with other grains to make rice paste or soy milk. This makes the fiber very easy to digest while keeping the nutrition intact.
4. Classic Cantonese Soups and Dishes
This is the most traditional method. Boiled Chenpi remains an excellent seasoning. Adding it to Cantonese stews, soups, or braised duck/beef continues its spleen-strengthening effects and significantly enhances the umami of the dish.
5. Direct Chewing
If you don't mind the milder taste, you can chew the softened peel directly. Its faint sweetness can also provide a soothing effect for the throat.
Special Note: If the peel has become mushy or developed an off-smell from being soaked too long, do not eat it. Don't waste a good peel—let every piece of Pubei Chenpi serve its full purpose.