Chenpi Palace Ripe Pu-erh - Hand-Torn Cake | Xinhui Tangerine Peel & 2016 Ancient Tree

The Art of Chenpi Pu-erh

Chenpi Pu-erh represents one of the most beloved traditional tea blends in Chinese tea culture. This masterful creation combines the smooth, mellow character of palace-grade ripe Pu-erh with the bright, aromatic essence of aged Xinhui tangerine peel—a pairing celebrated for both its exquisite flavor and wellness benefits.

Palace-Grade Ripe Pu-erh

"Palace grade" (宫廷级) refers to the finest, most tender leaves used in ripe Pu-erh production—the same quality historically reserved for imperial courts. These premium buds and young leaves from 2016 ancient trees create an exceptionally smooth, sweet, and mellow tea base. After ten years of aging, this Pu-erh has developed a refined, earthy depth with no rough edges—just pure, comforting richness.

Xinhui Chenpi - The Gold Standard

Xinhui in Guangdong province produces China's most prized tangerine peel (陈皮). This 3-year aged chenpi brings bright citrus aromatics, subtle sweetness, and the traditional health-supporting properties that have made it a staple in Chinese medicine and cuisine for centuries. The peel's essential oils infuse the tea with a captivating fragrance and refreshing character.

A Perfect Marriage

The genius of this blend lies in its balance. The palace-grade Pu-erh provides a smooth, mellow foundation—earthy, sweet, and deeply satisfying. The Xinhui chenpi adds brightness, lift, and aromatic complexity. Together, they create a tea that's both comforting and invigorating, rich yet refreshing.

The Tasting Experience

From the moment you pour hot water over the leaves, the aroma rises—bright tangerine notes dancing above the warm, earthy Pu-erh base. The fragrance fills the room, inviting and uplifting.

Take a sip and the full citrus aroma fills your mouth. The liquor is smooth and silky, gliding across the palate with effortless grace. There's a refreshing, crisp quality that cleanses and awakens, balanced by the mellow depth of the aged Pu-erh. The finish is sweet and lingering, with the tangerine brightness persisting long after you've swallowed.

This is tea that makes you smile—bright, balanced, and utterly satisfying.

Hand-Torn Convenience

Forget fumbling with tea needles. These hand-torn cakes are pre-scored for easy portioning—simply break off the amount you need by hand. It's the perfect solution for busy mornings, travel, or anytime you want exceptional tea without the fuss.

Wellness Benefits

In traditional Chinese medicine, chenpi is valued for supporting digestion, promoting circulation, and harmonizing qi. Combined with the gentle, warming nature of ripe Pu-erh, this blend is often enjoyed after meals or as a comforting daily wellness ritual.

Specifications:

Weight: 180g hand-torn cake
Pu-erh: 2016 ancient tree palace-grade ripe (10 years aged)
Chenpi: 3-year aged Xinhui tangerine peel
Format: Hand-torn, no tools required
Origin: Yunnan Pu-erh + Guangdong Xinhui chenpi

Key Features

Premium Chenpi Blend: 3-year aged Xinhui tangerine peel paired with 2016 palace-grade ripe Pu-erh
No Tea Needle Required: Hand-torn cake format—simply break off pieces by hand for effortless brewing
Palace-Grade Quality: Finest grade ripe Pu-erh from ancient trees with smooth, mellow character
Authentic Xinhui Chenpi: Premium 3-year aged tangerine peel from Xinhui, renowned for quality and health benefits
Full Citrus Aroma: Bright, fragrant tangerine notes fill every sip
Smooth & Refreshing: Silky liquor with crisp, clean mouthfeel and sweet aftertaste
Perfect Fusion: Masterful artisan blend balancing citrus brightness with Pu-erh depth
Wellness Tea: Traditional combination valued for digestive and health-supporting properties

Gongfu Style (Recommended):

Tea Amount: 6-7g per 100ml (hand-torn pieces make portioning easy)
Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F)
Vessel: Gaiwan, Yixing teapot, or glass teapot (to watch the peel unfurl)
Rinse: 5-10 second rinse to awaken the chenpi and Pu-erh
First Infusion: 10-15 seconds
Subsequent Infusions: 15-20 seconds, adding 5-10 seconds per steep
Steeps: 8-12+ infusions possible
Western Style:

Tea Amount: 3-4g per 250ml (8oz)
Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F)
Steep Time: 3-4 minutes
Re-steep: 2-3 times, adding 1 minute per steep
Grandpa Style (Simple & Traditional):

Add 3-4g to a large mug or thermos
Pour boiling water and sip throughout the day
Top up with hot water as needed
Perfect for office or travel
Hand-Torn Portioning Tips:

Break off small chunks along the pre-scored lines
For gongfu: a piece about the size of a walnut (6-7g)
For western: a piece about half that size (3-4g)
The chenpi pieces will unfurl beautifully in hot water
Store remaining cake in original wrapper
Pro Tips:

Use Boiling Water: Both ripe Pu-erh and chenpi benefit from high heat to fully release their flavors
Longer Rinse: A 10-second rinse helps the chenpi peel open and release its oils
Peak Citrus: The tangerine aroma is most pronounced in infusions 2-6
Late Steeps: The Pu-erh base continues to deliver smooth sweetness even after the citrus fades
After Meals: This blend is traditionally enjoyed after rich meals to aid digestion
Morning or Afternoon: The bright citrus makes this an excellent pick-me-up tea
Tasting Notes by Infusion:

1-2: Chenpi awakening, bright citrus emerging, smooth Pu-erh base
3-7: Peak citrus aroma, full-bodied liquor, perfect balance of bright and mellow
8-12: Mellowing sweetness, Pu-erh depth shines through, gentle citrus undertones
13+: Sweet, smooth finish with lingering warmth
Storage:

Keep in original wrapper or airtight container
Store in cool, dry place away from moisture and strong odors
Ideal: 20-25°C, 50-60% humidity
The chenpi will continue to age and mellow beautifully
Hand-torn format makes it easy to sample while storing the rest
Pairing Suggestions:

Enjoy on its own to appreciate the complexity
Excellent after rich or oily meals
Pairs well with dim sum, pastries, or chocolate
Traditional pairing with Cantonese cuisine
Perfect with citrus desserts or almond cookies
Best Enjoyed:

After meals as a digestive aid
Morning or afternoon for an uplifting brew
During cold weather for warming comfort
As a daily wellness ritual
Shared with friends who appreciate aromatic, balanced tea