Argan tree – “The Tree of Life”

Commonly known as the “Tree of Life” of the Berbers, the Argan tree is characteristic of the inhospitable and remote zone of the Sousse valley in Morocco, where their thorny and coarse trunks can grow up to 8-10 meters and live hundreds of years. Berber women have known the value of the Argan tree for centuries. They use the nuts and oil for food and skin care.

Abundant argan trees grow wild in semi-dry soil, their deep root systems help protect against soil erosion. The fruit of the Argan trees needs more than a year to ripen and can be round, oval or conical. Thick, bitter bark covers the flesh and the hard pit, in the centre, which contains two or three oil-rich seeds.

Once the fruit is harvested, the soft pulp is removed by hand, this is the most labour-intensive part of the process. It is used as animal feed. Then the hard nuts are broken between two stones by hand and the seeds are removed. This traditional process is done by Berber women and is passed on from generation to generation. Then the cold pressing of the argan kernels is done in a stainless-steel press and the oil is decanted. After 1-2 weeks, the oil is filtered to obtain the purest product of the highest quality.

Once the fruit is harvested, the soft pulp is removed by hand, this is the most labour-intensive part of the process. It is used as animal feed. Then the hard nuts are broken between two stones by hand and the seeds are removed. This traditional process is done by Berber women and is passed on from generation to generation. Then the cold pressing of the argan kernels is done in a stainless-steel press and the oil is decanted. After 1-2 weeks, the oil is filtered to obtain the purest product of the highest quality.

Argan oil has numerous cosmetic and healthy properties and this is why it is used in various products. It is traditionally used to treat skin diseases and as a cosmetic oil for skin and hair. Its popularity is constantly growing. It is rich in unsaturated and essential fatty acids, with over 70% oleic and linoleic acid. With its nourishing properties, it is a valuable moisturizing and revitalizing agent for the skin. Widely used in shampoos and conditioners as it strengthens the hair, makes it shiny, gives volume and vitality. It is also very effective in nail care products. Used for burns and cracked lips, for smoothing wrinkles and against acne.