Chen Pi

Chen Pi, traditional dried tangerine peel

Some ingredients quietly carry centuries of tradition. Chen Pi, dried tangerine peel, is one of them, and we think it's fantastic either brewed on its own or added to a quality tea.

Used in China for both tea and traditional herbal practices, Chen Pi is simply the dried peel of a specific variety of mandarin orange, slowly aged over many years. But time transforms it. What begins as bright citrus gradually deepens into something far richer: warm, aromatic, slightly sweet, with notes of orange marmalade, spice, and aged wood.

The older it becomes, the more prized it is, so store it well, and our beautiful Chen Pi will serve you well.

A Long History of Use

Chen Pi has been used in China for hundreds of years, with written records dating back to the Ming Dynasty. It was valued not only for its flavour but also for its place in traditional Chinese herbal practice, where it was used to support digestion and balance the body.

Over time, Chen Pi became a staple ingredient in both Chinese medicine and cuisine. It appears in herbal teas, soups, braised dishes, and even desserts.

The name itself tells part of the story; Chen (陈) means aged, while Pi (皮) means peel, literally, “aged peel”.

And like many things that improve with time, patience is essential. Fresh peel is rarely used. Instead, it is carefully dried and then aged for years, sometimes decades, allowing the flavour to mellow and deepen.

We have written a longer, in-depth article about Chen Pi and its use within tea, so if you are interested, see: The Timeless Tale of Citrus-Infused Teas

The Home of Chen Pi

The most famous Chen Pi comes from Xinhui in Guangdong Province, a region widely regarded as producing the finest quality mandarin peel for ageing.

The local variety of citrus, combined with the region’s humid subtropical climate, creates ideal conditions for developing Chen Pi’s distinctive character.

After harvesting, the peels are:

• Carefully separated from the fruit
• Sun-dried to remove moisture
• Stored and aged over many years

During this time, the aroma gradually changes, moving from sharp citrus to something warmer, sweeter, and more complex.

Flavour & Aroma

Aged Chen Pi produces a beautifully fragrant infusion, not really like anything else.

Expect notes of:

• Warm orange peel
• Honeyed citrus
• Light spice
• A gentle herbal depth

The liquor is smooth and comforting, with a clean citrus brightness balanced by the mellow character that only ageing can bring.

How to Enjoy It

Chen Pi can be enjoyed on its own or combined with other teas.

Chen Pi pairs especially well with many different types of tea, including, of course, White Teas and Puer Teas. Chen Pi can also be enjoyed alongside floral teas, such as Jasmine Flower Buds or Mint Teas. We have several teas on our store that feature Chen Pi and that are aged together.

Adding a small piece brings a warming citrus depth to the cup - just give it a go!

Simple infusion

• Break off a small piece (about 1–2g)
• Use 250ml hot water (95–100°C)
• Steep for 3–5 minutes

Cooking with Chen Pi

We know Chen Pi has been used for years in Chinese cooking, and we are going to make some Chen Pi Sorbet in the summer and post an article about it, so watch this space!

Why We Love It

Aged Chen Pi is wonderfully versatile. It’s comforting on its own, but also a beautiful ingredient to experiment with, adding complexity to other teas or even cooking.

More than anything, it’s a reminder that time can be an ingredient in itself. What starts as something simple becomes layered, mellow, and quietly special after years of ageing.

Sometimes the best flavours just need patience.