The Rarity and Provenance of Xinhui Chenpi
In the world of Chinese traditional ingredients, Xinhui Chenpi is often referred to as “Gold in three years, Platinum in ten years.” But beyond the age, the provenance—the true origin—is everything.
We specialize in sourcing only the most authentic peel from the four core Xinhui regions. Here is why true core-region Chenpi is becoming incredibly rare and valuable:
The Truth About the “Four Core Areas”
Scarcity is Real: True Chenpi from the core Xinhui areas, like Dongjia and Meijiang, is becoming exceptionally scarce. Land designated for growing the peel is shrinking rapidly, and much of the remaining land is now planted with grafted trees , not the superior Circle-Grafted trees.
The Price of Authenticity: We spend months, sometimes years, searching for genuine, high-quality peel at a reasonable value. The price of truly aged, genuine Chenpi from these core regions can easily reach 1400$(Dollar), which is why most people will never encounter the real thing.
Our Promise: Verification from the Source: We go straight to the small number of genuine orchard owners. For a batch to be sold by us, we must confirm the exact location of the orchard and understand the entire history of the peel. We saw the fruits harvested from the Dongjia orchard with our own eyes.
Meijiang and Dongjia: The Crown Jewels 👑
The Meijiang production area is renowned for its superior quality. Genuine Meijiang peel is known for its intense fragrance, sweetness, and smooth, “sticky” mouthfeel. The aroma is rich and deep.
Dongjia peel is perhaps the most fragrant of all the four core areas. Our current stock includes an Ultra-Rare 2020 Dongjia Peel from a 16-year-old tree, which is now absolutely (no longer in production) as the field has been converted into a road. This type of 16-year-old circle-grafted peel is estimated to be only 0.01% of the total production in Xinhui.
Xinhui Chenpi Quality: Circle-Grafted Trees and Slow Curing
It takes more than just age to make a great Chenpi. It is the meticulous care and the curing process that matters most.
Circle-Grafted (圈枝) vs. Grafted (驳枝): Our focus is on the more difficult-to-cultivate circle-grafted peel, which yields a better flavor (sweeter and easier on the palate) but produces less yield and costs twice as much.
A Taste of Purity (老树皮): Our 16-year-old “Old Tree” Dongjia Peel is valued because the older trees yield a much smaller fruit with a thinner peel. The resulting Chenpi flavor is much purer with no off-flavors, and it is incredibly durable for steeping (more “steep-resistant”).
No Shortcuts in Curing: Unlike many vendors who use artificial wetting to accelerate the darkening process, we rely on natural sun-drying for a slow, patient cure. This preserves the peel’s natural fragrance , resulting in a naturally pale inner pith and a slightly yellow skin. We prioritize the flavor over the darkness of the color.
The Health and Culinary Magic of Chenpi
Chenpi is not just a tea; it is a versatile ingredient rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Rich in Nutrients: Chenpi contains valuable compounds like volatile oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, B vitamins, Vitamin C, and trace element Selenium.
A Natural Elixir: The long-aged peel (7+ years) is considered food therapy. It is perfect for brewing as a pure, amber-colored tea after meals , or mixed with American Ginseng for a gentler effect.
Beyond Tea: Chenpi’s powerful fragrance and ability to remove gamey odors make it excellent for cooking:
Adding it to porridge or soups (like lamb stew).
Using it in braised dishes.
Making traditional remedies like Chenpi Pear Water for children and seniors.
Final Thoughts on Collecting
Chenpi is an appreciating asset. A saying goes, “One tael of Chenpi is worth one tael of gold”. Good quality peel is an investment that increases in value every year.
For those who love collecting, especially the rare “Old Tree” Dongjia peel, it’s a piece of history that won’t be found again. Properly stored in a tin box, it can be aged for over 10 years and become incredibly effective for medicinal purposes.