In a world where food waste continues to rise, small kitchen habits can make a big difference. Cooking with the mindset of zero waste not only helps the planet but also enhances flavor and nutrition. Pomegranates and oranges are both vibrant and perfect examples of fruits that offer far more than meet the eye. 

 

Here are two delicious recipes that make use of every part of these Mediterranean favorites. 

 

Pomegranate Glazed Chicken with Roasted Peel Dust 

Pomegranate’s tangy sweetness takes centre stage in this dish, and yes, even the peel joins the feast.
Instead of discarding it, the peel is boiled, dried, and ground into a fine, fragrant powder that adds depth to the glaze. Combined with pomegranate juice, honey, and olive oil, this rich reduction coats the chicken beautifully, creating a dish that is as sustainable as it is succulent. 

 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs 
  • 1 pomegranate (seeds and peel separated) 
  • 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses (or homemade reduction) 
  • 1 tbsp honey 
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced 
  • 1 tbsp olive oil 
  • Salt and pepper to taste 

For the glaze: 

  1. Boil the pomegranate peel in water for 10 minutes to soften it, then dry it in the oven at low heat until crisp. Crush it into a fine powder, this will add a citrusy bitterness to your glaze. 
  1. In a pan, mix pomegranate juice (from the seeds), honey, olive oil, and garlic. Let it simmer until thick. 
  1. Add a pinch of your powdered peel for depth. Brush over chicken and roast until golden. 

Zesty Orange Peel Tea Infusion 

Once your oranges have been juiced for a healthy breakfast, don’t let the skins go. Dried orange peels steeped in hot water release a citrus perfume that soothes and refreshes. dd a clove or cinnamon stick for warmth and a drizzle of honey for sweetness. 

 

Ingredients: 

  • Dried orange peels (from 2–3 oranges) 
  • A few cloves or a stick of cinnamon (optional) 
  • Boiling water 

Method: 

  1. Wash the peels thoroughly and air-dry or bake them at low heat until crisp. 
  1. Crush lightly and steep in boiling water for 5–7 minutes. 
  1. Add cinnamon or clove for warmth, and a drizzle of honey to sweeten. 

This article is a part series of the EXCEL4MED project, funded by the Horizon Europe programme, aims to boost innovation in the agri-food sector across Malta, Greece, and France. With its website now fully available in French, Italian, Spanish, and English, more stakeholders, including researchers, producers, policymakers, and consumers, can engage with the project in the language they feel most comfortable with. Read more on: https://excel4med.eu/. 

 

Koperattivi Malta is proud to support this initiative in collaboration with:
@EXCEL4MED @MaltaFoodAgency @MaltaEnterprise @TheMaltaChamber @UniversityofMalta @SmartAgroHub