In the rich and colorful food culture of China, dried tangerine peel has occupied an indispensable place with its unique charm and profound cultural heritage.As a food and medicinal ingredient made through special processes, the production process of dried tangerine peel not only embodies the wisdom and ingenuity of ancient people, but also represents the perfect crystallization of time and nature.This article will take you to explore the production process of dried tangerine peel in depth, and experience the mellow and lingering charm that transcends time and space.
The production of dehydrated orange peels begins with the careful selection of raw materials.Generally speaking, the raw materials for making Chenpi are mainly the ripe peels of citrus fruits, among which the Da Honggan from Xinhui, Guangdong Province is the best.Xinhui is located in the Pearl River Delta, with a warm and humid climate and fertile soil, providing unique conditions for the growth of large red mandarins.The large red mandarin orange produced here has thin skin and thick flesh, with full oil chambers and rich in volatile oils and various active ingredients. It is the best choice for making high-quality dried orange peel.
The first step in making dehydrated orange peels is also a crucial step.The traditional method of peeling fruit adopts the "three straight cuts" or "two symmetrical cuts" method, striving to avoid damaging the flesh during the peeling process while ensuring the integrity of the peel.This step not only tests the skill of the maker, but also contains a reverence for natural things.In modern production, although mechanized equipment has been introduced to improve efficiency, many old craftsmen still insist on hand-peeling to ensure that each piece of dried orange peel can maintain its best condition.
After peeling, the peel needs to be turned inside out so that the inner surface faces outward. This step is called "reverse peeling".The purpose of anti-skin is to allow the peel to better accept the baptism of sunlight and air, and promote the evaporation of internal moisture and the transformation of oil.At the same time, anti-skin can also make the peel more evenly exposed to air during the subsequent aging process, forming a unique aroma and taste.This step seems simple, but it requires the creator to have a high degree of patience and meticulous observation.
Sun-curing and drying are the key steps in the production of dehydrated orange peels.Place the peeled fruit in a sunny and well-ventilated place for natural drying until the peel is completely dry.During this process, sunlight and air work together on the peel, gradually evaporating the internal moisture and transforming the oil and active ingredients, forming a unique aroma and taste.The time of sun drying varies with the weather and the thickness of the peel, generally ranging from several days to several weeks.After that, it needs to be dried indoors for a period of time to ensure that the dried orange peels is completely dry and reaches its best condition.
Ageing is the most mysterious and time-consuming process in the production of dried orange peels.The sun-dried and dried peel is stored in a specific environment for aging.Over time, the oil and active ingredients inside the peel undergo complex chemical reactions under the action of microorganisms and enzymes, gradually transforming into substances beneficial to the human body.At the same time, the color of the peel gradually deepens and the aroma becomes more intense.The aging time ranges from several years to several decades, and some dried orange peels can be aged for hundreds of years.In this process, Chenpi not only completed the transformation from food to medicinal materials, but also contained the precipitation of time and the inheritance of culture.
The production of dried tangerine peel is both an art and a science.It combines the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient people, the gifts of nature, and the power of time, ultimately achieving a mellow and lasting flavor that transcends time and space.Each piece of dried tangerine peel bears the hard work and sweat of the maker, the gift of nature, and the precipitation of time.When we taste the unique aroma and taste, we can't help but sigh with admiration for the charm and warmth of the East.
Post time: Aug-07-2024