Aged mandarin peels??!!

So many people eat oranges of all kinds and of course mandarin oranges as well! Oranges can be sweet, sour and oh so tasty while being one of the most common fruits in the supermarket. However, have you tried aged mandarin orange peel otherwise known as 陈皮 (chénpí)? Native to Asia, it was later introduced to Western civilizations sometime in the 19th century. Usually sun-dried, tangerines or mandarins give a unique flavour and holds most of the fruits health benefits but in even higher concentrations!

Grown on an evergreen tree, tangerines/mandarins are pretty much a mini-me of an orange. Stereotypically as I am sure you know, they are eaten fresh or potentially as accompaniment with other salads, desserts and more! The dried peel is used in many medicinal forms while also in sweet and savoury dishes as well. With the aging process it could last anywhere from several months to 75 years which leads to higher prices. You can also age them yourself by cutting the skin while not piercing it as it will leek oil. Afterwards you would leave them to dry in the sun then stored in a sealable box for many months depending on humidity.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is considered warm in nature and aid with your lung and spleen. It is known to balance your qi, while being bitter and pungent in herb form. In their beliefs a huge part of what it aids with is 'qi stagnation' which is shown/described through mood swings and depression. Much like other oranges, mandarin peel is also rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and more but in much higher concentrations. The health benefits include:

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-Lower Cholesterol

-Lower Cancer risk due to vitamin A (especially liver cancer)

-Rich in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants

-Lower blood pressure by allowing by aiding blood flow

-Extremely great source of fibre that aids in weight loss

-Immune system boost due to the Vitamin C

-Skin health and better glow

-Better skin protection against UVA due to anti-oxidants

-Fights wrinkles

-Eases pain particularly in breast due to hernia

-Aids with gout, indigestion, sore-throats, diarrhea, vomiting, phlegm

-Can be beneficial for stress related issues

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The taste itself as a dried peel is sweet yet includes the citrus feel you would get when fresh. When cooked you will get a soft and chewy texture while it is also slightly bitter as it is added to herbal infusions and other recipes. The peel cannot be eaten by itself, though it does vastly add another dimension to your potential recipe! Overall, this ingredient though unique and difficult to use; it can bring an uplift to your day and we hope you join us for this weeks ingredient of the week!