Which surprises you more: a goat in a tree or a tree in the desert? The feat of staging both together is accomplished by the mighty argan tree. As a survivor of the Moroccan desert, he collects the water in his leaves, which become a delicacy for thirsty goats. Only during the rainy season does the tree, which otherwise grows slowly or not at all, sprout with a crown up to 14 meters in diameter, blossoming and bearing fruit. However, it takes another two years for the olive-like yellow fruits to ripen, which is a short period of time compared to the lifespan of the argan tree, which lasts up to 200 years. The pulp surrounds a nut with a diameter of approx. 3 cm. This in turn contains up to three drop-shaped seeds or kernels, smaller than sunflower seeds but rich in valuable oil.
A valuable, fragrant, golden-yellow oil is extracted from the fruit kernels of the argan tree: argan oil - the liquid gold of Morocco.
The oil is used in the manufacture of cosmetics and medicines, but is also valued in gastronomy. The Berbers of Morocco have been using it for centuries for its unique properties, said to be better than olive oil. Natural antioxidants in argan oil are said to have a variety of positive effects on skin and health by destroying free radicals. The oil protects the skin from drying out and makes it supple, it is said to reduce wrinkles, improve brittle nails and brittle hair and slow down skin aging. When used correctly, argan oil can accelerate the healing process after burns and reduce redness and neurodermatitis. Traditionally, the oil is used in Morocco against acne, chickenpox and hemorrhoids. Due to the richly contained essential unsaturated fatty acids, the nutty-tasting argan oil is a valuable dietary supplement.