Egyptian Pomegranate Sauce — Sweet, Tangy and Perfect for Grilled Meats

From September to December, Egypt harvests its ancient pomegranate crop — a fruit treasured for over 3,000 years. A pomegranate was even found in the tomb of a servant of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female pharaoh. Today, Egypt exports two main varieties: Baladi and Wonderful, prized for their jewel-like arils bursting with sweet-tart juice.

This easy Egyptian Pomegranate Sauce is perfect as a silky gravy for grilled lamb, roasted pork, or juicy chicken. Its sweet-tangy depth pairs beautifully with smoky meats and adds an elegant North African flair to any holiday or dinner table.

Tip for choosing pomegranates: Pick fruits that feel heavy for their size. The skin may look rough or uneven — that’s normal and doesn’t affect the jewel-red seeds inside.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups pomegranate juice
• ½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds (arils)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon onion salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons salted butter

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk flour into the pomegranate juice until smooth.
2. Pour mixture into a saucepan. Add butter, onion salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.
3. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring until thickened to a glossy sauce.
4. Stir in pomegranate seeds just before serving for fresh bursts of flavor.
5. Serve warm over grilled lamb, pork chops, or roasted chicken.

Food History: The word “pomegranate” comes from Latin and means “apple with many seeds.” Ancient Egyptians used pomegranates as a symbol of prosperity and renewal, and the fruit still thrives along the Nile today.

More African-Inspired Sauces & Sides

• Senegalese Chicken Vermicelli
• Caldo Verde Portuguese Kale Soup
• Air Fryer Black Eyed Pea Dumpling Stew

Living up to 20 years African penguins are flightless marine birds coming in a variety of sizes and colors.

Growing to be about 26.5 to 27.5 inches tall and weighing between 4.4 and 11 pounds the endangered African Penguin lives on the Southern coast of Africa.

African penguins breed from Hollams Bird Island Namibia to Bird Island Algoa Bay in South Africa. Gansbaai South Africa Dyer Island is a protected bird sanctuary home to large colonies of threatened African Penguins.

Three Facts About African Penguins

Fact 1
The African penguin, or black-footed penguin, is also nicknamed the jackass penguin because it’s mating call sounds like a whinnying donkey. They spend their days at sea feeding and their nights gathered together on shore. Like all penguins, African penguins are much more agile in water than on land swimming up to 12 miles per hour. Each penguin eats about one pound of fish per day feeding on small fish such as sardines and anchovies, crustaceans and squid. Each penguin eats about one pound of fish per day.

Fact 2
African Penguins are the only penguin species that breed in Africa and it is found nowhere else in the world. African Penguins are monogamous and the same pair will normally return to the same colony and often the same nest site each year on Dyer Island to be together.

Fact 3
African penguins are currently classified as vulnerable or threatened under the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN red data list criteria. Unfortunately if the current trends continue it is only a matter of time before the African Penguin becomes endangered. The African penguin is an endangered species whose population has declined by 90 percent since the turn of the 20th century.

Did you know?
The population of African Penguins was estimated at 179,000 in 1998 and is still declining despite conservation efforts. African Penguins are the only penguin species that breed in Africa.

Your chocolate craving has a global impact. 

Cocoa farming is a crucial industry in Africa, particularly in Ghana, which is one of the key players in producing cocoa for the world. However, cocoa farming faces several challenges, including low productivity, limited resources for farmers, and ethical concerns such as child labor. 

As one of the world's largest players in the cocoa industry, Olam International Limited's operations, sustainability efforts, and controversies provide insight into the broader dynamics of cocoa production and its global impact. Farmers in Africa grow 70 percent of the world’s cocoa and Singapore's Olam International Limited is a major player in the global cocoa business.

Drying cocoa beans in the sun in Ghana Olam processing

The Importance of Cocoa Farming in Ghana

Ghana’s role as one of the largest cocoa-producing countries highlights the significance of cocoa farming in its economy and culture.

Small-Scale Farmers and Traditional Farming Methods

Cocoa farming in Ghana is primarily undertaken by small-scale farmers who use traditional methods like hand pruning and harvesting, often relying on family labor.

Intercropping: A Strategy for Income and Food Security

Farmers in Ghana often grow cocoa alongside crops like plantains and maize, enhancing food security and generating additional income.

The Complex Cocoa Supply Chain in Ghana

The journey of cocoa beans involves multiple actors, including local buyers, licensed buying companies (LBCs), and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), which regulates the sector.

COCOBOD’s Role in Pricing and Regulation

COCOBOD sets seasonal prices for cocoa beans, ensuring LBCs purchase from farmers at a standardized rate, though market volatility affects farmers’ income.

Exporting Ghanaian Cocoa to Global Markets

After processing, the majority of Ghanaian cocoa is exported to Europe, where it is transformed into chocolate and other products.

Challenges Facing Cocoa Farmers in Ghana

Farmers encounter obstacles such as low productivity due to aging trees, disease, poor soil fertility, and limited access to credit, inputs, and technical support.

Addressing Child Labor and Forced Labor in Cocoa Farming

Efforts to combat child and forced labor include child labor monitoring systems and community-based initiatives, though challenges persist.

Sustainable Cocoa Production Initiatives in Ghana

Programs like the Cocoa Abrabopa Association (CAA) and the World Cocoa Foundation’s CocoaAction aim to improve productivity, farmer livelihoods, and sustainability.

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Cocoa Farming in Ghana: A Vital Industry

Cocoa farming plays a crucial role in Ghana, providing income and livelihoods for thousands of small-scale farmers. Despite the complexities and challenges within the cocoa supply chain, various initiatives aim to promote sustainable cocoa production and improve farmers' lives. Supporting these efforts and choosing ethically sourced cocoa products can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable cocoa industry.

About Olam and Cocoa

The Role of Olam in the Cocoa Industry

Cocoa farming is often invisible to consumers, yet it is essential in producing the sweet treats enjoyed worldwide. Olam International Limited is a major player in the cocoa processing sector, turning raw cocoa beans into ingredients like powder, liquor, and butter that are used in confectionery products.

Overview of Olam International Limited

Olam International Limited is a leading global food and agri-business company. Operating in 60 countries with over 80 processing facilities, Olam supplies food ingredients, feed, and fiber to customers worldwide. It is headquartered in Singapore and listed as one of the top 30 companies on the Singapore Exchange. Olam is also a Fortune Global 500 company and a member of the FTSE4Good Index Series.

Olam’s Organizational Structure and Goals

Olam is undergoing a re-organization to form three distinct operating groups: ofi, Olam Agri, and the Remaining Businesses of Olam Group. Olam’s purpose is to re-imagine global agriculture and food systems, aiming to deliver sustainable solutions that benefit people, the planet, and prosperity. By 2040, Olam aspires to be the most differentiated and valuable global food and agri-business.

Olam’s Values and Strategic Pathways

Olam’s core values—integrity, ownership, teamwork, mutual respect, continuous improvement, and customer focus—guide its operations. Its strategic pathways include pursuing growth opportunities, enhancing efficiency, driving sustainability impact, and building trust with stakeholders.

Olam's Cocoa Operations

Acquisition of Archer Daniels Midland’s Cocoa Business

In 2014, Olam International Limited acquired Archer Daniels Midland Company’s global cocoa business for $1.3 billion, expanding its role in the cocoa industry. Olam is now one of the world’s largest suppliers and processors of cocoa beans, powders, masses, and butters. The company operates in over 70 countries, including cocoa sourcing operations in Africa.

Environmental Criticism and Efforts Toward Sustainability

Olam has faced criticism for purchasing cocoa linked to deforestation, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire. These cocoa beans, known as "dirty beans," have raised concerns about environmental damage. However, Olam has committed to achieving 100% traceable and sustainable cocoa volumes by 2020, aiming to improve its sourcing practices.

Olam's Commitment to Cocoa Farming Communities

Olam works with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders, to create sustainable conditions for cocoa farmers. The company’s efforts include initiatives like providing shade trees in Ghana to support forest conservation and improve environmental conditions for farmers.

The Importance of Sustainable Cocoa Farming in Africa

Cocoa's Role in Africa and the Global Supply Chain

With Africa producing around 70% of the world’s cocoa, it is the backbone of the global supply chain. Olam sources cocoa from several African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Uganda. Despite its importance, cocoa farming faces several challenges, including aging trees, soil degradation, and labor issues.

Addressing Sustainability Challenges in Cocoa Production

Sustainability initiatives are essential for tackling these challenges and improving cocoa farmer productivity. Efforts to promote ethical practices and sustainable solutions are crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of the cocoa industry in Ghana and beyond.

Conclusion: The Need for Ethical and Sustainable Cocoa Practices

While Olam has made progress in promoting sustainability, the cocoa industry still faces significant challenges, including environmental concerns and ethical sourcing. It is vital for stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that drive sustainability and improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.

Explore more cocoa stories in the Chocolate Hub .