Moroccan Argan oil Pur Life Maroc
Moroccan Argan oil Pur Life Maroc

Argan oil from Morocco

The liquid gold of the Berber women

Moroccan Argan oil In great demand & immaterial cultural heritage. Experience tradition & craftsmanship handed down through the generations: In an Argan oil women’s cooperative in the southwest of Morocco. 1000 Berber women make a stance for fair trade and protect the region against exploitation and rural flight.

Moroccan Argan oil Pur Life Maroc

ARGAN OIL – MOROCCO’S LIQUID GOLD

The liquid gold is important for the Arganeraie region not just in economic terms. It is the women who are responsible for the production of this product, which is in high demand for health, culinary and cosmetic purposes. They preserve a craft and a cultural good that would normally have been pushed aside by industrialisation, but has instead sparked a veritable hype, in particular in the beauty industry.

The Argan tree is a bit of a diva. No one knows why, but all attempts at moving these up to 50-metre wide trees and make them take roots somewhere else have failed. The trees stay put!

LOVE FOR DETAIL

Traditionally, the ripe fruit are picked up from the ground and dried under the hot Moroccan sun. Before the kernels are freed from the hulls, the flesh is carefully removed. As a next step, the Argan seeds are gently roasted, depending on their further purpose, then ground and kneaded to a mush with lukewarm water until the precious oil separates. Pure, high-quality Moroccan Argan oil is usually made in smaller women’s cooperatives. These “superwomen” make an important contribution towards the economic and social development of the Arganeraie region.

Moroccan Argan oil Pur Life Maroc Detail
Moroccan Argan oil Pur Life Maroc Argan tree

THE MANY PURPOSES OF THE ARGAN TREE

Moroccan Argan oil is mostly harvested in the 26000 m2 Arganeraie region in the southwest of the country, which was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1998. The Argan tree, which plays an important role not just in Argan oil production but is also used as feedstock and firewood by local farmers, grows nowhere else but here. It also constitutes an important barrier against further desertification. Argan trees grow and thrive only in Morocco. Due to their extremely hard and resilient wood, the trees, which grow up to 12 metres high, are also called “iron wood trees” and have a life expectancy of up to 400 years. Even though the Argan fruit look similar to olives or dates, depending on their ripeness, with kernels that are reminiscent of almonds and oil with a nutty flavour, they actually belong to the berry family.

SUSTAINABLE GOOD HEALTH

The healing, soothing effect of Moroccan Argan oil is no longer a secret. The oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, antioxidants and secondary plant substances. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and cholesterol-lowering properties, which is why local Berber tribes still use it to treat skin diseases and gastrointestinal problems. This is a plant that has it all!

It is also a true all-rounder: In cooking, Moroccan Argan oil made from the roasted seeds is used for seasoning and refining a range of dishes. The bitter flavour disappears during the roasting process. What remains is a deliciously nutty aroma. The oil from the non-roasted seeds is used in beauty applications. It moisturises skin and hair and even has an anti-aging effect.

Moroccan Argan oil Pur Life Maroc for your health
Moroccan Argan oil Pur Life Maroc community

COMMUNITY

Craftsmanship comes at a price – but what is even more important is protecting the heritage and securing the future of the region and the local families who are able to make a living thanks to the hard work of the women in the Argan industry. By purchasing these handmade products, you support these women and honour their work. An important step towards more independence and emancipation!

YOUR PUR LIFE MAROC EXPERIENCE

A visit to the Marjana women’s cooperative is the perfect counterpoint to your stay in Essaouira. The cooperative is just a 15-minute drive away from the city.

Programme – half-day trip including meal:

  • Pur Life Maroc private concierge & transfer with your private chauffeur – you will be picked up directly from your hotel.
  • Tour of the Marjana cooperative: The women will guide you through all the process steps and let you try your hand at them yourself.
  • This is a great opportunity for purchasing Moroccan Argan oil directly from the production site and for supporting the women in their work.
  • Traditional meal in a Berber household.
  • Transfer with private chauffeur – you will be picked up directly and taken back to your hotel.
Moroccan Argan oil Pur Life Maroc private concierge
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© Unsplash, Freepik, Pixabay, iStock, Said Boumahdi, Mike Huber, Didier Roy, Conseil Provincial du Tourisme Essouira