Tangerine peel is a very popular Chinese medicinal herb, and it is also a drink that can be brewed on its own or with tea leaves, such as white tea and black tea. Tangerine peel has a unique aroma and taste, and has a variety of health benefits, so you can drink more.
However, some people will find that the tangerine peel they buy will have a noticeable bitter taste after brewing. So, why is tangerine peel bitter? What are the benefits of good tangerine peel? You'll understand after reading it.
1. What is tangerine peel?
Before understanding why tangerine peel is bitter, let's first understand what tangerine peel is. Tangerine peel is made from the dried or dried orange peel, and it is very common in both traditional Chinese medicine and tea. Tangerine peel tea has a strong citrus aroma and is often believed to have the effects of regulating qi, strengthening the stomach, and dissolving phlegm.
However, although tangerine peel is "sourced" from citrus peel, citrus peel is not the same as tangerine peel, which is a special citrus peel. Only when a specific region, a specific variety, and a specific environment are naturally aged to produce a specific flavor effect, and have the activity of "aging for a long time", it can be called tangerine peel.
Second, the cause of bitterness of tangerine peel
1. The production process of tangerine peel
The process of making tangerine peel involves peeling, drying or drying, and some bitter substances may be produced in the process. Especially if it is not handled well during the production process, the bitter components (such as hesperidin) inside the tangerine peel may be retained. Hesperidin is a naturally occurring compound found in orange peels, which has health benefits but also a bitter taste.
2. How long the tangerine peel should be stored
The storage time of tangerine peel is also an important factor affecting its taste. Fresh tangerine peels usually have a strong bitter taste, while after long-term storage, the bitterness will gradually decrease and the aroma will be stronger. If you buy new tangerine peel, then it's normal for it to be bitter.
3. The quality of tangerine peel
The quality of tangerine peel also directly affects its taste. High-quality tangerine peels are usually carefully processed and stored for a long time, with less bitterness and a strong aroma. Whereas, low-quality tangerine peels may not be handled properly, have a short storage time, and have a heavier bitter taste.
4. Brewing method
The brewing method of tangerine peel can also affect its taste. If you brew with water that is too warm, more bitter substances in the tangerine peel will be released. Instead, brew with water at a lower temperature, and the bitterness will lessen. In addition, brewing for too long can also lead to an increase in bitterness.
5. Counterfeit tangerine peel
As mentioned earlier, tangerine peel is a special citrus peel. There are some counterfeit and shoddy products on the market, using ordinary orange peels to pass off as tangerine peels. Such tangerine peel, after being smoked with sulfur, has a bitter taste, so don't drink it. Not only is it unpleasant to drink, but it can also be toxic and not good for health.
3. How to reduce the bitterness of tangerine peel?
1. Choose high-quality tangerine peel
First of all, it is necessary to choose a high-quality tangerine peel. High-quality tangerine peel is usually darker in color, shiny on the surface, and has a strong aroma. Try to choose tangerine peels that have been stored for a longer period of time, as they have less bitterness.
2. Correct storage methods
If you're buying new tangerine peel, you can keep it in a dry, ventilated place and let it store naturally for a while. Over time, the bitterness of tangerine peel will gradually lessen, and the aroma will become more intense.
3. Adjust the brewing method
When brewing tangerine peel, the water temperature should not be too high, preferably around 80°C. At the same time, the brewing time should not be too long, generally 2-3 minutes. This reduces the release of bitterness and preserves the aroma of tangerine peel.
4. Add other materials
If you still find tangerine peel tea a bit bitter, you can try adding some other ingredients to temper the taste. For example, adding some red dates, goji berries or honey can not only neutralize the bitterness, but also increase the nutritional value of the tea.
Fourth, the benefits of drinking tangerine peel tea
Although some tangerine peel teas will have a bitter taste, this does not affect its health benefits. Tangerine peel tea is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which help digestion, promote metabolism, and alleviate problems such as cough and phlegm. In addition, tangerine peel tea also helps to relieve stress and boost immunity, making it a very healthy tea choice.
1. Improves digestion
Tangerine peel is rich in volatile oils, which can stimulate gastric juice secretion, promote food digestion, and relieve stomach discomfort and flatulence.
2. Dissolve phlegm and relieve cough
Tangerine peel tea has a good phlegm and cough suppressant effect, especially suitable for drinking in winter and cold season. It can help clear the airways and reduce symptoms of cough and phlegm.
3. Boosts immunity
Tangerine peel is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help boost immunity and protect the body from free radical damage.
4. Relieves stress
Tangerine peel tea has a certain calming effect, which can help relieve stress, improve sleep quality, and make you feel more relaxed and comfortable.
Overall, tangerine peel tea is a very popular tea drink, but it can sometimes have a bitter taste for various reasons. By understanding the process of making tangerine peel, storage time, quality, and brewing method, we can take some steps to reduce bitterness and enjoy a more delicious tangerine peel tea.
Choosing a high-quality tangerine peel, storing it correctly, adjusting the brewing method, and adding other ingredients are all effective methods. At the same time, the multiple health benefits of tangerine peel tea are also worth savoring and enjoying.