History of Argan oil

History of Argan oil

Argan tree with nuts on branches. Concept for the healthy oil made of argan nuts, for health, culinary use, massage oil, and cosmetics.

Argan tree (Argania spinosa) grows in the arid southwest region of Morocco. It requires very specific natural growing conditions.

Also known by Berbers as the “Tree of Life”, every part of the Argan tree is useable: the wood is used for fuel, the leaves and fruit provide forage for goats and camels, and the oil extracted from the almonds is used in cooking and traditional medicine. Most importantly the Argan tree plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region by slowing the advance of the desert, since the tree’s roots are so deep and long they provide much needed stability to the ground.

To protect this rare and endangered species from overgrazing and intensive cultivation the Argan tree, first protected by Moroccan Law, was declared an “International Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO in 1999.

Moroccan Argan oil is the main economic resource of the region, with thousands of natives are earning a living from its production. By increasing the economic value of the Argan tree through the export of its Moroccan Argan oil, locals have come to understand the real value of the Argan tree and are now more involved in the protection and reforestation of the region.