In autumn and winter, oranges are abundant in the market, and I believe everyone has eaten them, right? Eating oranges raw can promote bowel movements, and soaking orange peels in water can stimulate the appetite, lower cholesterol, and protect the cardiovascular system. So, not only do we eat oranges, but after finishing them, we keep the peels and wash them to make tea. Most people think that this can achieve the above effects: after all, soaking dried tangerine peels in water is an ancient method, and these oranges are almost the same, right?
However, the difference between fresh orange peels and dried tangerine peels is significant. Here I would like to remind everyone that although these dried tangerine peels are made from orange peels, they lack the traditional Chinese medicine preparation process (drying) and it is not healthy to directly soak fresh orange peels in water. It can even be dangerous.
【Dried Tangerine Peels Are Not Equal to Fresh Orange Peels】
The missing step means no benefits
I don't know who first suggested soaking fresh orange peels in water, but that person definitely didn't understand the process of traditional Chinese medicine preparation.
You may feel that soaking fresh orange peels in water is a bit bitter, and you need to add some honey to balance the taste. If you consume it for a long time, you may experience belching. However, soaking dried tangerine peels in water does not cause these symptoms. And this is why:
1. Fresh orange peels contain volatile oils that can easily irritate the throat, esophagus, and digestive tract, causing a bitter taste.
2. This is beyond your control. Many merchants choose to wax the oranges to make them look fresh and beautiful. If the wax used is not edible, soaking fresh orange peels in water will make it taste astringent and is not good for your health.
On the other hand, dried tangerine peels are dried and aged for 2-3 years, which greatly reduces the residual pesticides on the peel surface and eliminates the volatile oils. At this point, they start to have the functions of regulating qi, transforming phlegm, suppressing coughs, and stopping vomiting.
So what should we do if we want to enjoy the appetizing, cholesterol-lowering, and cardiovascular-protective effects without irritating our stomach with fresh orange peels? The answer is: dry the tangerine peels ourselves!
【Making Dried Tangerine Peels at Home】
Steam and dry the peels three times
1. Choose ripe oranges without any green color. Soak them in salt water for a while. If the oranges are waxed, brush them with toothpaste using a toothbrush, and then rinse them thoroughly with water. It is best to buy unwaxed oranges (appearance doesn't matter).
2. After washing the oranges, let them dry completely, then peel them with the white side up, and place them in a well-ventilated and sunny place to dry completely. (Make sure to dry them in a place with sunlight and good ventilation.)
3. Put the dried orange peels in a steamer and steam for about 10 minutes after the water boils. Once steamed, let them dry again.
4. Repeat the steaming and drying process two more times. (The color of the steamed orange peels will change, indicating that they have become dried tangerine peels.)
5. After the orange peels are completely dry, seal them for storage (if not completely dry or dried in the shade, they may get moldy). Let time do its work and allow the peels to ferment slowly, producing more medicinal compounds.
Note: Although homemade dried tangerine peels may not turn red (after all, they are homemade), they are sufficient for regular conditioning (just make sure there is no mold). However, if you are using them for medicinal purposes, it is recommended to buy professionally prepared dried tangerine peels from a pharmacy.
【Uses of Dried Tangerine Peels】
1. Tangerine peels in tea:
When suffering from a cold and cough, drink a cup of strong tangerine peel tea, and then wrap yourself in a warm blanket when you start to sweat slightly. After waking up, you will feel refreshed. Dried tangerine peels are suitable for people of all ages and can nourish and refresh the mind.
2. Tangerine peels in cooking:
Tangerine peels are an essential seasoning in the hands of chefs. Dishes made with tangerine peels have a fragrant aroma that can remove fishy smells.
Tangerine peels in sugar water: Even without adding other ingredients, the sugar water cooked with tangerine peels can be enjoyed in three bowls at a time. The syrup is thick and sticky. When it touches your lips, the fragrant taste of tangerine peels is already intoxicating. With a gentle sip, it brings refreshment and comfort.
3. Tangerine peels in soup:
This method can be said to be a classic way of making soup in China. Especially in winter, adding tangerine peels to nourishing soups instantly enhances the flavor. Drinking such hot soup on a winter night can provide a comforting and enjoyable experience.
