In Morocco, the argan tree is called "tree of life" because of its many qualities. UNESCO has classified an area of 800,000 hectares in south-west Morocco, between Agadir and Essaouira, a biosphere reserve, as it is the only place in the world where the argan tree grows.
Argania spinosa grows in this region thanks to a unique combination of soils, strong sunshine and oceanic climate. Although their number is decreasing, argan trees can live up to 250 years, surviving heat and drought, in poor and rocky soils. All attempts to implement them in other parts of the world have failed.
The very limited habitat zone of the argan tree makes it virtually unknown outside of Morocco and totally foreign to many Moroccans who live in other regions. The name "argan" probably comes from the village of Argana where the tree was identified for the first time.
But the argan tree stands out in many other respects.
Reaching a height of 8 to 10 meters, the truncated and knotty trunk of this tree allows the goats to climb it and eat its leaves and fruits. After the goats have consumed the green fruit, succulent, the appearance of an olive, they excrete the almond.
The almond of the argan tree contains a slightly darker oil than the olive oil, with the reddish hue and hazelnut taste. Called Moroccan "liquid gold", this oil is extracted during a treatment that remains largely traditional, which begins by picking the almonds left by the goats.
Opening the almonds to remove the kernels requires twenty hours of work to produce a liter of oil. This work, which is largely artisanal, is essentially carried out by women, although it is possible to envisage that the growing popularity of this oil will eventually lead to the creation of a larger sector of employment . A sign of the popularity of this oil, a Swiss-Moroccan company, Argane d'Essaouira, now sells argan oil on the Internet.
At the local level, the delicate process of extracting the oil from the almonds leads to an unexpected consequence: the appearance of unscrupulous sellers and distributors. Due to the high price of argan oil, many sellers and distributors are tempted to dilute it with cheaper oils. On the many sales booths found along the roads between Essaouira and Agadir, the authenticity of the oil is not guaranteed and consumers must be careful.
High costs require consumers to use argan oil only in moderation, usually to pick up dishes such as couscous, salads, vegetables, meat and fish. Those who produce it themselves use it more often for everyday cooking.
Containing 80 percent unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, argan oil is a very healthy product. It helps, among other things, reduce cholesterol levels and strengthen the body's natural defenses.
This oil contains a large amount of natural vitamin E and is used as a dermatological care product. Its anti-aging effect on the skin and its ability to soften it make it a very popular ingredient in Moroccan cosmetics. It also protects against infections of the skin.
But the argan almonds are not just for making oil. A paste of brown color, called amlou is made from the kernels, sweetened and served as a spread for breakfast by the Berbers.
In addition to the economic benefits that could be generated by increased investments in argan products, efforts to protect and, if possible, increase the number of trees would help the environment. Indeed, the powerful root system of the argan tree, which sinks deeply, helps to maintain the soil and prevents erosion.
Production of a very fragrant oil, skin care products, a soft paste, and protection of the environment - several reasons that amply justify this Moroccan name "tree of life".
do you know this unique tree ?? do you know the benefits of argan oil for skin and hair ?? that's will the subject of my next post :)
