User:Zheng Jinlian

Guangdong Xinhui Dried Tangerine Peel

Abstract: Dried tangerine peel, as a typical representative of traditional Chinese medicine and food dual-use resources, can be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty. In addition, dried tangerine peel is not only an important traditional Chinese medicine, but also an important carrier of Lingnan food culture and health wisdom. This paper discusses the historical origin, characteristics and medicinal value of dried tangerine peel, the relationship between dried tangerine peel and Lingnan life culture, and the emotional connection between dried tangerine peel and people. Through literature analysis and on-the-spot investigation, it is found that due to its unique geographical environment and aging process, Guangdong Xinhui dried tangerine peel has formed a significant "old age makes good" characteristic, which has outstanding effects in regulating qi and spleen, drying dampness and resolving phlegm. This paper takes Guangdong Xinhui dried tangerine peel as the research object, through the in-depth analysis of Guangdong Xinhui dried tangerine peel, not only enriches the research dimension of traditional Chinese medicine, but also provides new ideas for the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage.

Key words: Guangdong Xinhui dried tangerine peel, traditional Chinese medicine, Lingnan life culture, intangible cultural heritage

1、The historical origin of dried tangerine peel

Dried tangerine peel, as its name implies, is a orange peel that has been stored for a long time. From the source, dried tangerine peel is mainly made of the mature peel of orange and its cultivated varieties. Its history can be traced back to the Shennong's Herbal Classic in the Eastern Han Dynasty, which records that the original plant of tangerine peel is a citrus plant of Rutaceae, and points out its medicinal value. In China, Xinhui, Fujian, Sichuan and other places are the main producing areas of tangerine peel. Among them, the dried tangerine peel of Xinhui, Guangdong is famous for its unique quality and efficacy. The unique geographical environment of Xinhui, such as suitable climate and fertile soil, provides excellent conditions for the growth of citrus, and also creates the unique flavor and value of Xinhui dried tangerine peel.

2、Characteristics and medicinal value of dried tangerine peel

2.1 Basic characteristics The appearance of Xinhui dried tangerine peel is orange red to tan, the oil chambers on the epidermis are densely distributed, and the inner layer is light yellow and white. With the growth of the year, its texture will gradually become flexible and shiny from the initial brittle and hard. The aroma of dried tangerine peel is unique and rich in layers. The new peel exudes fresh and lively citrus fruit aroma, while the old peel after years of precipitation transforms into mellow medicinal and sweet aroma. The longer the age, the more stable and long the aroma. This perfect combination of color, aroma and taste is exactly the unique charm of Xinhui dried tangerine peel after time refining.

2.2 Medicinal value As a traditional Chinese medicine, Guangdong Xinhui dried tangerine peel has a long history of medicine and a wide range of clinical application value. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, Dried tangerine peel is warm in nature, pungent and bitter in taste, and has the effects of regulating qi and invigorating the spleen, drying dampness and resolving phlegm. It is often used to treat the symptoms of cough and phlegm caused by abdominal distension and fullness caused by spleen stomach qi stagnation, less food and vomiting and diarrhea. It is worth noting that the medicinal value of dried tangerine peel increases with the aging age due to its "old age makes good", which is also an important reason why dried tangerine peel is highly respected. Rational use of dried tangerine peel can not only play its medicinal value, but also play a role in health care in daily diet.

3、Dried tangerine peel and Lingnan life culture

3.1 Food culture perspective In Lingnan food culture, Guangdong Xinhui dried tangerine peel plays an indispensable role as a seasoning master. This golden peel infuses the soul of Cantonese cuisine with its unique aroma and slightly bitter sweet flavor. Beef balls with dried tangerine peel, steamed fish with dried tangerine peel, dried tangerine peel mung bean paste, aged duck soup with dried tangerine peel and other dishes can be seen everywhere. Lingnan chefs are well-versed in the art of using dried tangerine peel to enhance umami flavors. Even simple porridge can instantly sublimate the taste by adding a piece of dried tangerine peel. The essence of Lingnan food culture lies in the wisdom of turning decadence into magic seasoning.

3.2 Health culture perspective In Lingnan people's philosophy of health preservation, dried tangerine peel is regarded as a "natural health product". The humid and sultry climate here breeds the unique tradition of "health preservation with dried tangerine peel". The old people are used to making a cup of dried tangerine peel tea in the morning, which can not only wake up the spleen and appetizer, but also dissolve the moisture accumulated at night; Housewives always add a few pieces of dried tangerine peel when making soup, which not only increases fragrance but also helps digestion; Even when children cough, parents will cook a bowl of dried tangerine peel honey water. There is a popular saying in Lingnan folk that "a hundred years' dried tangerine peel is better than gold" not only because of its medicinal value, but also because of its health wisdom.

4、The emotional connection between dried tangerine peel and human beings

Guangdong Xinhui dried tangerine peel and Lingnan people have a unique and profound emotional connection, which is not only the carrier of taste memory, but also the link of emotional communication. In family life, dried tangerine peel carries the warm memory handed down from generation to generation -- the aroma of dried tangerine peel when the mother cooks soup, the sugar water of dried tangerine peel cooked by the grandmother, and the old dried tangerine peel when the daughter is married, all of which place the good wishes of the family. In social occasions, treat guests with dried tangerine peel tea to show sincerity and share the witness friendship of collecting dried tangerine peel with old friends. Therefore, dried tangerine peel has become a special language to express friendship. This golden peel has gone beyond the meaning of the food itself and turned into a unique symbol for Lingnan people to express their emotions.

5、Conclusion

Guangdong Xinhui dried tangerine peel is not only of significant medicinal value, but also a carrier of Lingnan culture and an important link to maintain emotion. Through the analysis of the historical origin, medicinal value and cultural function of Guangdong Xinhui dried tangerine peel, we can see its importance in the Lingnan region and the whole country. It is suggested that the innovative inheritance of dried tangerine peel culture should be strengthened in the future to promote the sustainable development of this intangible cultural heritage.

Questions: 1. What is the standard to judge whether dried tangerine peel is excellent? 2. How does Guangdong Xinhui dried tangerine peel carry Lingnan culture? 3. How does Guangdong Xinhui dried tangerine peel maintain the emotion of Lingnan people?

References：

[1] Zhangzhihai, wangcaiyun, yangtianming, et al Research Progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Northwest Pharmaceutical Journal, 2005.

[2] Linshuzhen There is a way to identify Xinhui tangerine peel Drugs and people, 2025.

[3] Xie Wei, Xiong Xing, chenyafen, et al Guangdong Xinhui tangerine peel: the sail of culture and the journey of youth, China food news, 2024.

[4] Yechaosheng, Yang tubing, hushutong, et al Research on the development path of Xinhui tangerine peel to promote the integration of culture and tourism in the context of Rural Revitalization Modern food, 2024.

[5] Linhuafeng, Liang Qizhu, Zhang dizhi Inheritance, practice and development of Xinhui tangerine peel medicated diet culture, 2023.

Terms and Expressions

陈皮 Dried tangerine peel

中药材 Traditional Chinese medicine

药用价值 Medicinal value

陈化工艺 Aging process

“陈久者良”特性 "Old age makes good" characteristic

理气健脾 Regulating qi and spleen

《神农本草经》 Shennong’s Herbal Classic

油室 Oil chamber

陈皮牛肉丸 Beef balls with dried tangerine peel

陈皮蒸鱼 Steamed fish with dried tangerine peel

陈皮绿豆沙 Dried tangerine peel mung bean paste

陈皮老鸭汤 Aged duck soup with dried tangerine peel

陈皮茶 Dried tangerine peel tea