Argan Oil from Morocco

The Argan tree, from which the oil is extracted, grows exclusively in the South
Western part of Morocco.It is a very resistant tree which can live up to 200 years
and it is perfectly adapted to the harsh climate of the South Western regions of
Morocco. It’s sort of a semi-desert environment. Its roots grow deep in search of
water, and so, they help retain the soil, limiting the advance of the desert. The
fruits of the Argan tree are green and they look like an olive but are larger and
rounder. Inside, there is a hard shell nut from which the oil is extracted. The
production of this oil is a demanding and laborious process which is still almost
completely realized by hand.

For centuries, women of this mostly rural region
have produced Argan oil which was used for their consumption and traditional
Moroccan medicine. It is believed to help many skin conditions such as wrinkles
and scars. Now, it has found way into prestigious laboratories and is exported to
the most luxurious spas around the world. The Argan Tree has an important
significance to the tribeswomen in the South and they refer to it as "The Tree of
Life" because it has sustained a living for generations in periods of drought. The
traditional methods of harvesting and producing the oil preserve an ancient way
of life. It is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.