For over 700 years, the humble citrus peel, known as chenpi, has been a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Revered for its therapeutic properties, chenpi is believed to fortify the spleen, dispel dampness, alleviate abdominal bloating, enhance digestion, and reduce phlegm.
Nestled in Xinhui District of Jiangmen City, in south China’s Guangdong Province, the ancient Tianma Village offers the ideal climate for cultivating mandarin oranges. The unique local conditions imbue the mandarins with a distinctive fragrance and robust quality. Unlike their juicy counterparts prized for pulp, these mandarins are cherished for their sweet peels, which have been a sought-after commodity across the country since the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
In recognition of its cultural significance, the processing technique of Xinhui dried orange peel was inscribed on the fifth representative list of state-level intangible cultural heritage items in 2021. This acknowledgment not only preserves a time-honored tradition but also highlights the enduring connection between nature and culture in China’s rich medicinal heritage.
Reference(s):
Where Nature Meets Culture: From fruit peel to medicinal ingredient
cgtn.com
