Asian Citrus Delight: Chinese Dried Orange Peel Snack Recipe

Dried orange peel is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is believed to have many health benefits, including aiding digestion and improving circulation. In addition, dried orange peel is often used in Chinese cooking to add flavour and aroma to dishes.

If you're looking for a unique and flavourful snack, you might want to try making a Chinese dried orange peel snack. This snack is a traditional Chinese treat that is easy to make and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. In this article, we'll discuss how to make this delicious snack and explore its cultural significance.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Chinese dried orange peel snack is a traditional and easy-to-make treat.
• Dried orange peel has cultural significance and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Dried orange peel is a versatile ingredient that adds flavour and aroma to many dishes.

The Cultural Significance of Dried Orange Peel

Dried orange peel, also known as Chenpi, is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine and traditional Chinese medicine. The use of dried orange peel dates back to ancient times in China and has a rich cultural significance.

History in Chinese Cuisine

Dried orange peel is commonly used in Chinese cooking to add a fragrant and slightly bitter taste to dishes. It is often used in stir-fries, soups, marinades, and sauces. In Guangdong province, Xinhui is famous for producing high-quality dried mandarin orange peels, which are used in many local dishes.

In addition to its culinary uses, dried orange peel is also a popular ingredient in Chinese desserts. It is used to add a subtle citrus flavour to sweet soups, cakes, and pastries.

Use in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dried orange peel is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments. It is believed to help regulate digestion, relieve coughs and phlegm, and promote healthy lung function. It is often combined with other herbs and used in herbal remedies.

Proposed recipe: For a savoury snack, you can try making dried orange peel beef jerky. Simply marinate sliced beef with dried orange peel, soy sauce, and honey, then dry in a dehydrator or oven. For a seafood twist, you can substitute the beef with sliced squid or shrimp. The dried orange peel adds a unique flavour to the dish.

Selecting the Best Oranges

When it comes to making Chinese dried orange peel snack, selecting the right oranges is crucial. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best oranges for your recipe.

Types of Oranges

Mandarin oranges are the preferred choice for making dried orange peel snack due to their thinner skin and sweeter taste. Navel oranges can also be used, but the thicker skin can make it more difficult to remove the peel.

Organic vs Non-Organic

When selecting oranges for your recipe, it's important to consider whether to use organic or non-organic oranges. Organic oranges are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fungicides, which can be harmful to both the environment and your health. Non-organic oranges, on the other hand, may contain traces of these chemicals.

If you choose to use non-organic oranges, be sure to wash them thoroughly before peeling to remove any pesticide residue. Alternatively, you may opt for organic oranges for a healthier and more eco-friendly option.

As a suggestion, you may also choose to add seafood to your recipe for an added flavour boost. Shrimp or scallops can be a great addition to your Chinese dried orange peel snack. Simply sauté them in a pan with some garlic and ginger, and add them to your recipe for a delicious twist.

Preparing the Orange Peel

Cleaning and Drying

Before you can use the orange peel in your recipe, you need to clean and dry it properly. Start by washing the oranges thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of each orange. Next, score the orange peel from top to bottom, making sure not to cut too deep into the fruit. This will help you remove the peel in large pieces.

Once you have removed the peel, rinse it under cold running water to remove any remaining bits of fruit. Then, pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Removing Bitterness

Orange peel can be quite bitter, so it's important to remove this bitterness before using it in your recipe. To do this, you can blanch the peel in boiling water for a few minutes. This will help to soften the peel and remove some of the bitterness.

After blanching, drain the peel and rinse it under cold water. Then, use a sharp knife to remove any remaining bits of pith. You can also simmer the orange peel in a pot of water for a few hours to further reduce the bitterness.

Once you have removed the bitterness, you can use the orange peel in your recipe. For a Chinese dried orange peel snack recipe, you can dry the peel in the sun or in a dehydrator until it is crisp. You can also add seafood such as shrimp or scallops to the recipe for added flavour and texture.

The Cooking Process

Creating the Syrup

To begin, you will need to make a syrup mixture that will be used to coat the orange peels. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved completely. Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This will create a simple syrup that will be used to candy the orange peels.

Candying the Peel

While the syrup is simmering, take your orange peels and slice them into thin strips. You can use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to do this. Once the syrup is ready, add the orange peel strips to the saucepan and let them simmer in the syrup for about 45 minutes. This will allow the orange peels to absorb the syrup and become candied.

If you want to add a seafood twist to your recipe, consider adding shrimp to the mix. Simply toss cooked shrimp in the syrup mixture before adding the orange peels. This will give your recipe a unique flavour and texture.

Drying and Storing

After the orange peels have been candied, remove them from the syrup mixture and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let the orange peels dry completely in a cool, dry place. This can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight.

Once the orange peels are completely dry, store them in an airtight container. They will keep for several weeks at room temperature, or you can store them in the fridge for longer shelf life.

That's it! With these simple steps, you can make your own delicious and healthy candied orange peels.

Serving and Usage Ideas

Snack Variations

Dried Mandarin Orange Peel is a perfect snack for anyone who loves citrus flavor. It is easy to make, and you can customize it to your liking. You can add a little salt or sugar for a sweet or savory snack. You can also add some spices like cinnamon, cloves, or star anise for a festive flavor.

If you're a seafood lover, you can add some dried shrimp or dried scallops to the mix for an extra umami flavor. Just make sure to soak the seafood in hot water for a few minutes to soften it before adding it to the recipe.

Dessert Garnishing

Dried Mandarin Orange Peel is also a great garnish for desserts. You can use it to decorate your orange cake, chocolate truffles, or any other citrus-based dessert. You can also chop it finely and sprinkle it over your ice cream or yogurt for a crunchy and flavorful topping.

If you're looking for a unique gift idea, you can make a batch of dried orange peel and package it in a cute jar or bag. It's a thoughtful and delicious gift that anyone would appreciate.

Overall, dried Mandarin Orange Peel is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways. Whether you're looking for a snack, a dessert garnish, or a gift idea, this recipe is sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I whip up a simple Chinese dried orange peel snack?

Making a Chinese dried orange peel snack is a simple and easy process. You can start by washing the mandarin oranges thoroughly and then peeling them. Once you have peeled the oranges, you can then dry the peels under the sun for 2-3 days until they are crispy. Once they are dried, you can then store them in an airtight container and enjoy them as a snack. You can also add some sugar or honey to the peels to make them sweeter and more enjoyable.

What are the health benefits of snacking on dried orange peel?

Dried orange peel is not only a tasty snack but also has some health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and fight off infections. Dried orange peel is also rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body against harmful free radicals that can cause cancer and other diseases.

In what ways can dried mandarin peel be used in cooking?

Dried mandarin peel is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. It is commonly used in Chinese cuisine to add a citrusy flavour to soups, stews, and meat dishes. You can also use it to make tea or add it to marinades for seafood or meat.

What's the traditional Chinese use for dried tangerine peel in herbal remedies?

In traditional Chinese medicine, dried tangerine peel is used to treat digestive problems, such as bloating and indigestion. It is also believed to help relieve coughs and colds.

How do you properly dry out mandarin peels at home?

To dry out mandarin peels at home, you should first wash them thoroughly and pat them dry with a towel. Then, you can spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the sun for 2-3 days until they are crispy. Alternatively, you can dry them in a dehydrator or oven at a low temperature.

What's the term for dried orange peel in Chinese culinary lingo?

Dried orange peel is commonly referred to as "chenpi" in Chinese culinary lingo.

If you want to add some seafood to your Chinese dried orange peel snack, you can try adding some dried shrimp or dried scallops. These can be chopped into small pieces and mixed with the dried orange peel to add a savoury flavour.