Argan Oil in Morocco: Cooperatives, Tree-Climbing Goats and How to Buy the Real Thing
Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree, which grows almost exclusively in south-western Morocco, between Essaouira, Agadir and Taroudant. Much of it is produced by women's cooperatives. Culinary oil is pressed from roasted kernels and has a nutty taste; cosmetic oil is pressed from raw kernels for skin and hair. Buy from certified cooperatives, check the label and expect real argan oil to be relatively expensive.
The argan tree
The argan (Argania spinosa) is a hardy, thorny tree adapted to dry conditions. The argan forest area was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1998, and argan-related knowledge and practices were inscribed on UNESCO's intangible heritage list in 2014. The trees help protect the soil from desertification and support local communities.
How the oil is made
- Fruits are collected and dried, then the pulp is removed.
- The very hard nuts are cracked by hand between stones, a slow, skilled task traditionally done by women.
- For culinary oil, the kernels are lightly roasted; for cosmetic oil, they are left raw.
- Kernels are ground and pressed (by hand or machine) to extract the oil.
It takes a large quantity of fruit and many hours of work to produce one litre of oil, which explains the price.
Culinary vs cosmetic argan oil
| Culinary | Cosmetic | |
|---|---|---|
| Kernels | Roasted | Raw |
| Smell and taste | Nutty, toasted | Mild, slightly nutty |
| Uses | Salads, couscous, amlou (with almonds and honey) | Skin, hair, nails |
The famous tree-climbing goats
Goats really do climb argan trees to eat the leaves and fruit. However, the goats posed by the roadside on the Marrakech–Essaouira road are often placed there for photos and tips. If you stop, keep it brief and consider whether the animals look well treated.
How to buy authentic argan oil
- Buy from cooperatives with visible production, ideally certified.
- Read the label: 100% pure argan oil, origin and, for food, roasted kernels.
- Very cheap oil is often diluted.
- Pure cosmetic oil should have a light, almost neutral scent; strong perfume can indicate additives.
Where to visit a cooperative
Many cooperatives line the road to Essaouira and welcome visitors to see the cracking and pressing. Our Essaouira day trip stops at one on the way, and cooperatives also exist in the Atlas valleys visited on the Ourika day trip. Read things to do in Essaouira. Background on the biosphere reserve is on the UNESCO Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve page.
Book it with a local operator
- From Marrakech: Essaouira Day Trip to the Atlantic Coast — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: Ourika Valley & Atlas Mountains Day Trip with Waterfalls — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Surfing in Morocco: Taghazout, Imsouane and Essaouira Compared
- Gnawa Music in Morocco: Origins, Instruments and Where to Hear It
- How to Make a Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives
Frequently asked questions
Where does argan oil come from?
From the kernels of the argan tree, which grows almost only in south-western Morocco, between Essaouira, Agadir and Taroudant.
What is the difference between culinary and cosmetic argan oil?
Culinary oil is pressed from roasted kernels and tastes nutty; cosmetic oil is pressed from raw kernels for skin and hair care.
How do I know if argan oil is real?
Buy from certified cooperatives, check for 100% argan oil on the label, avoid suspiciously cheap bottles and strong perfumes.
Do goats really climb argan trees?
Yes, goats climb argan trees to feed. Roadside goats for photos are often placed there for tips, so consider the animals' welfare.
Main photo: Elena Tatiana Chis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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