Argan oil is one of the most valued cosmetic products in the world and it originates from Morocco. Argania spinosa is a tree endemic to the semidesert Sous valley of southwestern Morocco. Argan trees grow up to 10m high and live for about 200 years.
The Berbers, native inhabitants of Morocco, have been extracting Argan oil for thousands of years, but it is the Tashlahate speaking Berbers of the Souss valley who live between Marrakesh and the south of Agadir that are the main extractors. The traditional preparation of Argan Oil by Berber women is still one of the main occupations for these communities.
You can visit one of the women's co-operatives to witness all stages of this traditional production. Harvest time is from June to August, which is the busiest period of time for Argan oil farmers. The fruits are picked by hand and left to dry before being stored in sacks. The kernels are then removed from the nuts and ground. In many places, this process is still done by hand. It takes about one week and 20kg of nuts to produce only 5 litres of oil.
When you visit a cooperative, you can buy authentic, freshly squeezed argan oil. You can even try it in traditional Berber dishes as a dip for bread or to drizzle on couscous.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Morocco to witness the Argan oil harvest?
Argan oil farmers harvest from June to August. This is the busiest period when the fruits are manually picked and left to dry before being placed in sacks. The kernels are then removed and ground, with many people still performing this process by hand. Show more
Where can I find the women's co-operatives that produce Argan oil?
Berber women's co-operatives can be found in the Souss Valley between Marrakesh and the south of Agadir. Co-operatives offer an opportunity to witness traditional Argan oil production, and you can buy authentic, freshly squeezed oil there. Show more
How do Berber women traditionally prepare Argan oil?
Traditional methods are used by Berber women to produce Argan oil. The fruit is left to dry before a nut is extracted, crushed to extract oil. The entire process is often done by hand, taking about a week and 20kg of nuts to produce 5 litres of oil. Show more
What are the health benefits of using authentic Argan oil?
Authentic Argan oil has several health benefits. It is rich in vitamin E, providing anti-aging properties, protecting the skin against free radicals, and is great for moisturizing skin and hair. Argan oil's high fatty acid content enhances immune function, improves heart health, and maintains blood sugar levels. Show more
What other traditional Berber dishes can I try with Argan oil?
Argan oil is used as a dip for bread and in traditional Berber dishes like couscous, tagine, and b'stilla. Its rich and nutty flavor can replace other vegetable oils in food. It is versatile, suitable for salad dressings, crepes, or pancakes, adding an exotic touch to any dish. Show more
