1. Why do people say “Chenpi is worth more than gold”?

In southern China, especially in Guangdong, there is an old saying:

“One ounce of Chenpi is worth one ounce of gold.
A hundred-year Chenpi is worth more than gold.”

Of course, this is a bit of poetic exaggeration.
But it shows just how much people value Chenpi – aged tangerine peel.

In traditional Cantonese culture, Chenpi is known as one of the “Three Treasures of Guangdong”, together with aged ginger and rice straw.
It is used in traditional Chinese medicine, in Cantonese cuisine, and more and more often, in teas and wellness drinks.

For tea lovers around the world, Xinhui Chenpi offers a completely new way to enjoy citrus flavor:
soft, layered, and deeply comforting—very different from the sharp taste of fresh orange peel.

2. So… what exactly is Chenpi?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chenpi (陳皮) is the dried peel of mature tangerines (Citrus reticulata and its cultivars).
“Chen” literally means “aged”, so the name itself tells us that time is part of the ingredient.

Over months and years of storage, the peel slowly changes:

Sharp citrus oils become softer.
The aroma becomes deeper and more complex.
The flavor turns from bright and sharp to warm and rounded.

Traditionally, Chenpi is:

Used in herbal formulas to support digestion and help regulate qi.
Added to Cantonese dishes such as Chenpi duck, braised pork, or red bean desserts.
Brewed as tea or with other teas, like Pu-erh, to create a gentle, soothing drink.

Important note:
These are traditional uses and cultural beliefs, not medical advice.
If you have health conditions, always consult a doctor.

3. What makes Xinhui Chenpi so special?

Chenpi can be made in many regions of China.
But Xinhui Chenpi from Xinhui District, Jiangmen City, Guangdong,
is widely considered the most prized and iconic.

Several reasons make Xinhui Chenpi stand out:

Unique local tangerine variety
- Xinhui uses a special cultivar often called Chazhi gan (茶枝柑),
  prized for its thin skin, rich oils, and strong aroma.
Ideal terroir (soil & climate)
- Xinhui sits at the confluence of several rivers,
  with mineral-rich soil and a mild, humid climate that suits citrus trees
  and natural sun-drying of the peel.
Long history and reputation
- Records of Chenpi go back over a thousand years.
- In the classic Chinese materia medica Bencao Gangmu,
  Li Shizhen already noted that dried tangerine peel from “Guangzhong” (today’s Xinhui area) was considered superior.
Geographical indication (GI) protection
- Xinhui Chenpi is officially recognized in China as a protected Geographical Indication product,
  which means only peel produced within certain areas of Xinhui can legally use the name.

Because of this combination of variety, terroir, and tradition,
Xinhui Chenpi is often called the “pinnacle” of Chenpi.

4. From fresh fruit to aged peel: how Xinhui Chenpi is made

Every piece of Xinhui Chenpi starts as a fresh tangerine on a tree.
The basic process (simplified) is:

Careful cultivation
- Trees are tended for years with proper watering, fertilizing, and pest control.
Selective harvesting
- Fruit is usually picked by hand with scissors,
  to protect both the peel and the branches.
Peeling and shaping
- The peel is removed in specific patterns (often three or four “petals”),
  keeping it as intact as possible.
Sun-drying
- Peels are spread out under the sun and dried naturally.
- They are turned regularly so they dry evenly.
Aging and storage
- Once dried, the peels are stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated spaces.
- Over years, they slowly develop the deep aroma and flavor that Chenpi lovers seek.

Some people collect Chenpi like others collect wine or whiskey—
they look at the origin, the year, and the storage conditions,
then decide how and when to enjoy it.

5. How to enjoy Xinhui Chenpi as a tea lover

For global tea drinkers, the easiest way to meet Chenpi
is through tea and tea blends.

Here are a few beginner-friendly ideas:

5.1 Chenpi tea on its own

Rinse a piece of Chenpi quickly with warm water.
Break it into smaller pieces if you like.
Steep in hot water (90–100°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Refill the pot or mug with hot water several times.

The flavor is gently citrusy, slightly bitter at first,
then turning sweet and comforting in the aftertaste.

5.2 Chenpi + Pu-erh or dark tea

Chenpi and ripe Pu-erh are a classic pairing.

Brew them together in a gaiwan or teapot.
Chenpi adds a bright, aromatic top note
to the earthy, mellow base of Pu-erh.

This idea is also behind Xiao Qing Gan (小青柑) –
a young green tangerine from Xinhui, hollowed out and filled with Pu-erh tea leaves,
then dried and aged as one piece.

5.3 In your daily routine

Replace one afternoon coffee with a cup of Chenpi tea.
Enjoy it after a heavy meal as a gentle, warm drink.
Share a pot with friends as an introduction to Cantonese tea culture.

Again, remember:
All “benefits” mentioned in blogs or traditional texts
reflect cultural practices and personal experience,
not guarantees of medical results.

6. How to choose and store Chenpi

Choosing

When you shop for Chenpi (especially online), pay attention to:

Origin – clearly labeled as Xinhui if you specifically want Xinhui Chenpi.
Appearance – dry, clean, no visible mold; peel should not be too thin or too thick.
Color – usually orange to reddish-brown, depending on age.
Aroma – rich but not pungent; layered citrus, slightly woody, sometimes with sweet or herbal notes.

Storing

To keep Chenpi in good condition:

Store in a cool, dry, and ventilated place.
Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity.
Keep away from strong odors (perfume, spices, detergent),
as the peel easily absorbs smells.

Properly stored, Chenpi can be enjoyed for many years—
and for some collectors, watching it age
is part of the joy.

7. Bringing Xinhui Chenpi to your cup, wherever you are

If you’ve read this far, you already know:

Chenpi is more than just dried orange peel.
Xinhui Chenpi reflects a special terroir and a long history.
As a tea lover, you can enjoy it simply,
or explore blends like Chenpi Pu-erh and Xiao Qing Gan.

At OUDATEA, our focus is to bring:

Authentic Xinhui Chenpi and Xiao Qing Gan,
Carefully selected teas and teaware,

to tea lovers around the world in a way that respects both tradition and modern taste.

Next time you sip a cup of Chenpi tea,
we hope you can feel not only the citrus aroma,
but also a little bit of the sunshine and patience
from Guangdong’s orchards.