When Life Gives You Oranges… Save the Peels!
For seven centuries, Chinese kitchens have turned leftover citrus peels into a treasured medicinal ingredient called chenpi. This sun-dried marvel isn’t just your average zest – it’s a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) superstar believed to boost digestion, clear phlegm, and balance bodily systems.
The Secret Sauce? Xinhui’s Golden Climate
Hidden in Guangdong Province’s Tianma Village, farmers grow mandarin oranges so fragrant their peels outshine the fruit! Since the Song Dynasty (960-1279), locals have perfected a drying process that transforms bitter rinds into sweet, medicinal gold. The result? A spice rack essential found in soups, teas, and pharmacies nationwide.
Cultural Heritage Meets Modern Wellness
In 2021, Xinhui’s chenpi craftsmanship earned a spot on China’s intangible cultural heritage list – proof that ancient wisdom still rocks in 2024. Whether you’re a #WellnessTok enthusiast or history buff, this peel’s journey from orchard to medicine cabinet shows how tradition and nature remain intertwined.
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Where Nature Meets Culture: From fruit peel to medicinal ingredient
cgtn.com