Whether to remove the white pith depends on the age of the chenpi and your flavor preference.
Practical Considerations
- Age: younger chenpi often has more bitterness in the pith, so removing it can make the drink cleaner. For chenpi aged 10 years or more, the pith is milder and can be kept or removed based on taste;
- Condition: if the chenpi has off-odors from storage or signs of dampness, removing the pith can reduce unwanted flavors.
Why Some People Remove It
The main reason is flavor: removing the pith reduces bitterness and yields a smoother taste, especially for younger chenpi.
Overall, choose based on the chenpi’s condition and your preferred taste.