Homemade Dried Mandarin Peels

Ingredients:
Imperial Mandarins

Directions:

1. Clean mandarin thoroughly & pat dry.  Use a knife to run around from top almost to the bottom & then peel open.
2. Place the peels under the direct sun for about 3 days or more, until dried thoroughly & become shatteringly crisp.  Turn to another side once in a while during the sun-drying process or place the peels in a low oven to dehydrate them.
3. Store them in an air-tight jar or container.  Place in a cool place.  After 1 or 2 years, the peel will turn dark.  Can make any dish with these dried peels.  The longer the mandarin peel is kept, the more fragrant it will develop.

Note:

• The flesh of the Imperial mandarin is very sweet.  You might test try with any kind of mandarin that comes in handy from your local produce in order to find your own favorite.
• When it comes to using any citrus peels, try to go for organic as you don't like the pesticide or fungicide residues.  Or you can wash them thoroughly in warm water with a bit of detergent, or soak in salted water for a while.  That said brushing a bit of baking soda on the skin before cleansing will work.
• The white inner skin tastes slightly bitter.  Scrape off the white layer after soaking it to be softened, then cook it with other ingredients.