Citrus Peel (Dried Tangerine Peel, Dried Orange Peel)

In the markets of China you will often find freshly peeled greenish lemons with the fruit sold separately from the peel. Many people take the peels home and dry them to use in fish or meat dishes. The best citrus peels are those of Chinese tangerines, which have a rich, slightly sweet orange flavour. Dried citrus peel is sold in Asian or Chinese stores or can be easily made at home. Wash and rinse the fruit well. Cut each fruit into eight wedges. Use a sharp knife to cut off the fruit sections and then carefully separate the white pith from the peel. Dry the peel on a rack in a warm place until it is hard. Stored in an airtight jar, the dried peel will last for months. When you are ready to use the peel, rehydrate it in a bowl of warm water for 20 minutes or until it is soft.