Candied Citron Peel, Aged Tangerine Peel and Poria Tea

Why people make this tea

Nourilo spotted candied citron peel for sale in the supermarket — the fragrant, sweet kind from Yunnan that brews into a lovely tea. Citron (xiang yuan) is a citrus cousin of the better-known Buddha’s hand (fo shou), and is traditionally used to soothe the liver, move the qi and ease the chest. Paired with aged tangerine peel and poria, it makes a warm, fragrant cup that is friendly to a tight, stuck feeling in the chest and sides.

Method

1. Rinse the ingredients and put them in a pot.
2. Add 1.5 L of water and boil about 45 minutes. (As with most soups, bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to a medium-gentle simmer.)
3. Stir in the rock sugar until dissolved and drink.

Nourilo’s Tips

If you cannot find candied citron peel, head to a Chinese herb shop and use Buddha’s hand (fo shou) instead. People who tend toward a lot of phlegm and a wheezy cough can drink this tea regularly.