A Quick Guide to the Benefits and Common Uses of Orange Peel

Orange peel is the outer rind of the citrus fruit, and after being sun-dried or aged it is often called chenpi (dried tangerine peel). It contains components such as volatile oils and hesperidin, has a fresh fragrance, and is widely used in folk remedies and traditional food therapy. Note, however, that the fresh peel left over from eating an orange is not entirely the same thing as chenpi in the medicinal sense.

According to traditional accounts, orange peel is often used to steep in water, boil in soups or add to dishes, and is believed to help regulate qi, relieve bloating and stimulate appetite; adding a small piece when stewing meat can also remove odors and boost aroma. In addition, the aromatic substances in orange peel have a freshening effect, and many people place dried orange peel in the refrigerator, shoe cabinet or room to help remove odors.

It should be noted that the benefits of orange peel come mostly from folk experience accumulated over a long time, and it cannot be treated as a medicine to cure disease; products claiming health benefits must also obtain proper certification before such claims can be made. The surface of fresh orange peel may retain pesticides or preservatives, so if you want to steep it in water to drink, wash it thoroughly first, and choosing peel from a reliable source that has been fully dried and aged will be safer.

Overall, orange peel is cheap and easy to obtain, and it comes in handy for brewing tea, cooking and removing odors, making it a very homey household material. But everyone's constitution is different, and pregnant women, children and people with chronic diseases who want to consume it long term are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist first; using it in moderation and not in excess is the way to consume it with peace of mind.