Argan oil

Argan tree & Argan fruit

The argan tree (Argania spinosa) is one of the endemic plants that grows exclusively in southwestern Morocco. The endangered evergreen tree can grow to a height of 12 meters, tolerates extreme heat very well as well as long dry periods. Its treetop is very extensive and can reach a circumference of up to 60 meters. Characteristic is also the bark called "snake skin". The yellowish flowers appear after the fifth life year. The leaves and fruits of the argan tree are a source of food for sheep, goats and camels. These defy the sharp, hard thorns that keep most of the enemies away. Goats often climb into the crown of the argan tree to get better access to the leaves and fruits. The argan fruits resemble large olives, but are yellow in colour and have a bitter taste. Inside, the fruit contains an almond-sized kernel with one to three seeds. The ripening period of the fruit is about one year. After 50 to 60 years, argan trees bear full fruit, which corresponds to a yield of 30 kg of fruit. From this, about 21 kg argan nuts with 3 kg argan seeds are obtained. For one liter of oil, about three kilograms of nut kernels and one working day are needed.

After the ripe fruits have fallen to the ground, they are collected by the Berber women. They then remove the flesh from the hard nut and crack it laboriously with the help of a stone. The kernels are dried in the sun for several weeks and if necessary roasted on an open fire.

The argan tree is very frugal and needs only a few nutrients and water. The tree can even survive longer periods of drought and temperatures above 50° Celsius due to its roots which are up to 30 meters deep. During the dry periods, however, no fruits are formed.

The average life expectancy of an argan tree is around 200 years, although trees up to 400 years old have been recorded.