It's the season for a large harvest of oranges, and many people like to steep orange peels in water to drink, but this is actually not healthy.
Dried tangerine peel has the effects of regulating qi, harmonizing the middle, drying dampness, and resolving phlegm. However, dried tangerine peel is not the same as fresh orange peel; it is made from mature orange peel that has been sun-dried or air-dried. Fresh orange peel contains a high amount of volatile oil. Steeping it in water not only fails to provide the medicinal value of dried tangerine peel but can also irritate the stomach and intestines. Furthermore, oranges are generally not washed before being eaten, and the peels are exposed to the air, collecting dust and being unhygienic.
Orange Jam
Ingredients: 700g oranges, 150g rock sugar, 50g lemon juice, 2 tablespoons syrup
Instructions: 1. Peel the oranges, and use a knife to remove the white pith from the peels. 2. Cut the orange flesh crosswise twice to remove the seeds and set aside. Bring water to a boil in a pot, add the chopped orange peels, and after it comes to a boil, discard the water. Add a small cup of water to the boiled peels and blend into a puree in a food processor. 3. Place the orange flesh in a pot, add the rock sugar, pour in the orange peel puree, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and continue to simmer. 4. Squeeze in the lemon juice, and while stirring, continue to cook until the sauce becomes slightly thick. Add two tablespoons of syrup, stir, and continue to cook for a short while.