Chenpi · Big Red Peel ·Quan Zhi (Air-Layered Trees)

Chenpi · Big Red Peel ·Quan Zhi (Air-Layered Trees)

Vintage: 2011 / 2016

 

About the Origin of Our Chenpi

Our Chenpi comes from Xinhui, Guangdong,
the most famous and recognized Chenpi producing region in China.

In Xinhui, Cha Zhi Gan trees are mainly grown in three ways:

1. Yuan Zhi (Original Tree)
These are original, naturally grown trees.
They have the most authentic genetics and the purest flavor.

2. Quan Zhi (Air-Layered Trees)
This method is done on an original Cha Zhi Gan tree.
A branch is wrapped with soil while still attached to the tree.
After it grows roots, the branch is cut and replanted.

Quan Zhi trees keep the original genetics of the mother tree
and produce very clean, balanced, and traditional Chenpi flavor.

3. Bo Zhi (Grafted Trees)
These are grafted onto red lemon rootstock.
They grow faster and produce higher yields,
but the flavor is usually less refined.

Our Choice

Our Chenpi is made from Quan Zhi trees.

This means:

Original genetics

More traditional taste

Cleaner aroma

Better aging potential

Bo Zhi trees are common in the market because of higher yield,
but Quan Zhi and Yuan Zhi are widely considered to have better quality.

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1. Chenpi vs. Xiao Qing Gan (Small Green Tangerine)

Many tea drinkers confuse Xiao Qing Gan and Chenpi,
but they actually come from the same tree — a citrus tree called Cha Zhi Gan.

The difference is when the fruit is picked.

At different stages of growth, the fruit can be used in different ways:

• June–July
  Very small fruit, locally called “baby gan.” Aroma is very strong.

• July–August
  This is Xiao Qing Gan, often filled with ripe Pu’er tea.

• September–October
  Called green fruit. The taste is sharp and strong, often used for medicinal purposes.

• October–November
  Called Er Hong fruit. This stage is very suitable for aging.

• After December
  Called Big Red fruit. Fully mature and commonly used to make Chenpi.

True Chenpi usually refers to peel made from Er Hong fruit or Big Red fruit,
and it must be aged for at least 3 years.

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2. What Is Big Red Peel?

Big Red Peel is Chenpi made from fruit harvested after December.

Its main features:

• Fully mature peel

• Higher natural sugar content

• Stable aroma

• Easy to store and age

Like Pu’er tea, Chenpi improves with time.
But different harvest stages age in different ways.

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3. Big Red Peel vs. Er Hong Peel (Simple Explanation)

This is something experienced tea drinkers often care about.

Big Red Peel

• Sweeter

• Less acidic

• Very drinkable even when young

• Aroma is mainly sweet and mellow
  

Er Hong Peel

• Less sweet, slightly sour

• More aromatic compounds

• Aroma types are more complex

• Young Er Hong can be a bit sharp, similar to lemon peel

• Improves greatly with long aging

• With time, cooling notes like mint may appear

Because of this:

• Beginners often prefer Big Red Peel

• Experienced collectors often like to store Er Hong Peel

There is no better or worse.
It’s simply personal preference.

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4. Product Options

2016 Big Red Peel Chenpi (About 10 Years Aged)

Already in a good drinking stage.

• Clean aroma

• Clear citrus sweetness

• No strong sharpness

Good for:

• Daily drinking

• Pairing with ripe Pu’er tea

• Pairing with Moonlight White tea

Easy to drink, not heavy or bitter.

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2011 Big Red Peel Chenpi (About 15 Years Aged)

Fully matured.

• Sweeter and smoother

• More stable aroma

• Almost no刺激 or sharpness

• Clean and warm aftertaste

Good for:

• Experienced tea drinkers

• Autumn and winter drinking

• Long-term daily use

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5. How to Drink

Chenpi can be brewed alone,
but pairing is very common:

• Chenpi + Ripe Pu’er: thicker body, more sweetness

• Chenpi + Moonlight White: clean, sweet, layered taste

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6. One Honest Line

If you want something easy to drink now, choose Big Red Peel.
If you like storing tea and waiting for changes, Er Hong Peel is interesting.

Chenpi is not about comparison.
Time does the work.

What matters most is what you enjoy drinking.