Dried Orange Peel: A Buyer’s and Selection Guide

Whether you're a pastry chef seeking intense citrus zest, an Asian cuisine aficionado searching for authentic chen pi, or simply a foodie curious about a new Asian snack, dried orange peel comes in countless varieties. Between soft candied orange, aged dried tangerine peel, and ready-to-eat treats, it's easy to get lost.

Finding your way can be tricky, but don't worry. This guide is here to break down the different market options and help you choose the product that will elevate your recipes or satisfy your snack cravings.

Our Tips for Making the Right Choice

Before you dive in, a few simple criteria will help you find the perfect product for your needs.

1. What's the Use? Snacking, Baking, or Cooking?

It all depends on what you plan to do with it.

• For snacking and baking: Opt for candied orange or a pre-sweetened dried orange peel. Tender and ready to use, they provide a perfectly balanced bittersweet flavour. Ideal for eating as is, like a Chinese dried fruit, or for decorating cakes and desserts.
• For cooking and infusions: Dried tangerine peel, especially the famous Chen Pi, will be your best bet. Unsweetened, it's used as a powerful aromatic in the soups, stews, and broths of Chinese cuisine. It is also highly prized for tangerine peel tea due to its complex aromas.

2. Understanding Chen Pi: The Exceptional Tangerine Peel

Chen Pi (陈皮) is not just any dried tangerine peel. Originating from the Xinhui region of China, it is the result of a long ageing process that can span several years. This ageing process is what gives it its deep, complex aromas with woody and spicy notes. A true treasure for connoisseurs.

3. Decoding the Label

A quick glance at the ingredients list often tells you a lot.

• Added sugar: "Snack" versions frequently contain sugar, salt, or glucose syrup. Check their proportions if you're watching your sugar intake.
• Additives: Some products may contain preservatives, such as sulphites (E223), for a longer shelf life. This is crucial information for those with sensitivities.
• Purity above all: Quality Chen Pi is recognised by its simplicity. Its ingredients list should mention only one thing: dried tangerine peel. That's it.

Our Recommended Dried Orange Peel

Here are three products that perfectly illustrate the rich world of dried citrus.

MUSHAN Tangerine Dried Fruit 50g

Editor's Take: This is a pure, ready-to-eat gourmet treat, very similar to the familiar candied orange. Made with real orange segments, it offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich flavour.

Highlights:

• Tender and soft texture: Made with orange pieces (≥79.5%).
• Balanced flavour: A perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes, perfect for a snack.
• Ready to use: Ideal for snacking, decorating desserts, or giving a twist to a baking recipe.

Who is it for? Those looking for a fruity and easy-to-eat Asian snack, or a convenient ingredient to add a citrusy touch to their cakes and yoghurts.

Fangjia Xinhui Preserved Tangerine Peel 50g

Editor's Take: Introducing authentic Chen Pi from Xinhui, a protected Geographical Indication. This product is aimed at purists and enthusiasts of traditional Chinese cuisine looking for a top-tier aromatic ingredient.

Highlights:

• Guaranteed authenticity: Certified Geographical Indication (GI) from Xinhui, the benchmark terroir for Chen Pi.
• Natural drying: The tangerine peel is sun-dried and then aged in a dry warehouse, with no added sulphur.
• Intense aroma: Perfect for tangerine peel tea, soups, braised dishes, or even for flavouring spirits.
• Single ingredient: Contains only dried tangerine peel.

Who is it for? Discerning cooks who want to experience the authentic flavours of Chinese gastronomy, or those interested in Chinese dietetics and traditional infusions.

Jiabao Dried Orange Peel 45g

Editor's Take: Jiabao is an institution in the world of candied fruit. This product is the archetype of the traditional Asian snack, with a complex flavour profile that blends sweet, sour, and a hint of spice.

Highlights:

• Traditional expertise: The brand boasts a nine-step manufacturing process to achieve its rich and lingering taste.
• Unique flavour profile: A mix of sweet, salty, and sour notes, enhanced with a hint of liquorice.
• Versatile: Can be enjoyed on its own as a treat or used to prepare a fragrant orange peel tea.

Who is it for? Fans of typical Chinese snack flavours who are looking for a treat with a bold and memorable taste.

Want to Explore Other Dried Fruits?

Has our selection whet your appetite, but you're looking for something else? Explore our full range to find your perfect match from a wide array of dried and candied fruits.

Discover our range of dried and candied fruits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between dried orange peel and Chen Pi?

To put it simply, dried orange peel is a generic term that can refer to any dehydrated citrus peel, whether sweetened or not. Chen Pi, on the other hand, is much more specific: it refers exclusively to dried tangerine peel that has undergone a multi-year ageing process to intensify and complexify its aromas. It is used as an aromatic in cooking and infusions, not as a snack.

How do you use dried tangerine peel in cooking?

The easiest way is to rehydrate the Chen Pi (or any other unsweetened peel) for a few minutes in warm water. You can then add it, whole or thinly sliced, to your soups, broths, braised pork or duck dishes, or even to the cooking water for rice to perfume it. A small amount goes a long way.

Can you eat dried orange peel directly?

It all depends on the version you have. Candied and sweetened peels, like those from MUSHAN or Jiabao, are designed to be eaten as is. Conversely, a pure Chen Pi like Fangjia's is not meant for snacking. Its texture is hard and its taste is very powerful: it reveals its full potential when infused or cooked.

By the Joybuy editorial product experts