The Argan tree, similar to the olive tree but can only be found on the southern coast of Morocco between the cities of Safi and Goulimime, a poor, dry area that gets very hot during the summer. Since the beginning of time, this oil whose berries mature between July and August, has played a key role in the cuisine of the Berbers, a nomadic Semite population present in North Africa long before the Arabic invasion (7th century A.C.E.).
Almost 50 kilos of seeds are necessary to produce just half a liter of oil and processing is long and tedious. For these reasons, argan’s market price (approximately €25 a liter) is much higher than that of olive oil.
In Morocco, the production of Argan oil is women’s work; traditional knowledge is passed down from mother to daughter. With simple, repetitive movements, the women break the hard shells of the pits, and extract and chop the kernel. They add a few drops of warm water to this rough paste to help extract the oil, and the mixture is pressed in a small mill made from two large stones, one balanced atop the other.
Argan oil is a deep golden yellow in color and the flavor is unmistakable and intense, with notes of hazelnut and toast. A few drops can be added to a freshly cooked pot of couscous or to a fish or meat tajine or crudités. It can also be consumed alone on a simple piece of bread.
Mixed with almonds and honey, argan oil is used for amlou beldi, the traditional creamy spread that is offered to visitors together with bread and mint tea as a sign of welcome. In the countryside, a few drops of this oil are used to feed newborns. Argan oil can also act as a skin-moisturizer, pomade or healing ointment.

The Presidium
The presidium was founded in 2001 thanks to the University of Rabat professor Zoubida Charrouf.
Collecting the fruit, husking it and extracting the oil serve as social occasions; the women meet, take courses and learn to read and write. The Argan Oil Presidium also has environmental valence. UNESCO has declared the stretch of land covered with 20 million trees (the Arganerie) a Biosphere Reserve. The Arganerie helps maintain the balance of the region bordering the Sahara and keeps the desert at bay.
Thanks to three projects financed by the Region of Piedmont, experts will be invited to improve the production line and training courses will be organized for the women. The Coldiretti Piemonte will help the women develop farm stay activities and argan oil will be promoted in international restaurants.

Production area
Agadir, Taroudant, Ait Baha, Essaouira, Chtouka and Tiznit Provinces

Presidium supported by
Piedmont Regional Authority

Technical Partner
Olio Roi and Organic Oils (Italy)