Argan oil has been produced and used by the Berber tribes in the north of Morocco for centuries. An article has been found from 1219, written by the Egyptian physician Ibn Al Bythar, about the effect of argan oil. Even at that time, people in Morocco and the surrounding area were already aware of the power of argan oil and interest has only increased since then.
ARGAN TREE (ARGANIA SPINOZA) HAS A HISTORY
The argan tree (Argania Spinoza) is one of the oldest tree species in the world. Botanists estimate that the argan tree has been around for more than 25 million years. The argan tree is a tough tree with thorny branches that can withstand major droughts in the desert. With its roots deep in the dry desert soil, the argan tree provides sufficient water to produce leaves and argan fruits. The wood of the argan tree is so hard that it is also called 'ironwood', it is very suitable for building houses and for use as firewood.
ARGANIA SPINOZA PROTECTED BY UNESCO
The local population has used argan wood too enthusiastically in the past, which is why the tree was added to the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1998. The argan tree is not only valuable for its wood, fruits and leaves, but also keeps the ecological system in balance. The roots of the argan tree grow up to 30 meters deep, keeping the soil firm and firm. Desertification is a growing problem in northern Morocco, where the argan tree grows, and this tree is partly responsible for maintaining healthy soil.
ARGAN OIL FROM THE TREE OF BEAUTY
A nickname for the argan tree is 'the tree of beauty'. The Berber tribes not only use argan oil to care for their skin, but also use it in dishes. In fact, everything is used, from the argan tree to the argan fruits and kernels. The wood of the argan tree is used as firewood, building material and serves as a shade spot in the scorching north Moroccan sun. The fruits are an important source of nutrition for the goats (the argan fruit is not edible for humans), and the argan kernels are processed into argan oil. Even the husks surrounding the kernels are used as fuel.
COOPERATIVE FOR LOCAL BERBER WOMEN
Precisely because the argan tree is threatened with extinction, the local population is aware of the benefits of all elements of the argan tree and now handles them more carefully. For example, a cooperative has been set up for local Berber women to optimize the production of argan oil and the preservation of the argan tree. This cooperative is mainly supported by funds from the International Development Research Center and other donors.
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