Argan oil

Argan oil can be used in many forms, from massage oils, face creams and peanut butter to bread dipping. Such is the versatility of this oil that it can be used for all myriad of purposes. Any visit to Marrakech or any of the other southern regions one is highly likely to encounter a large number of individuals attempting to sell wares containing argan oil. This does however belie the fact that the argan tree only grows in Morocco and southern Morocco at that. Not only this, but it takes 30 kilograms of nuts to make 1 litre of oil, ensuring that if you buy a bottle of argan oil you can pretty much bank on the fact that none of your friends will have it or perhaps even heard of it (if you’re into that sort of thing). All the same local communities have gone to great lengths to produce as much as they can and to market it as successfully as they can. Indeed due to government initiatives all argan oil is now produced in women’s co-operatives dotted all over the southern reaches of the country. A visit to one of these co-operatives can be very eye opening and it is heartening to see rural women being financially empowered by the wonders of argan oil. Meaning that you not only leave with a lighter wallet but also a lighter conscience.

If you believe all the information/adverts propagated by those who sell argan oil then it may well cure the common cold (in addition to Psoriasis and  exzema), make you look younger and get you a better car than the neighbours. However, that is not to dismiss it’s health benefits as it has indeed been proven to be an excellent source of fatty acids good at combating cholesterol, to be full of vitamin E as well as being far more resistant to oxidisation than olive oil. The oil itself has a subtle nutty flavour and is in this author’s view the most pleasant edible oil product he has ever tasted. Argan oil is quite hard to come by and pricey but no trip to south west Morocco is complete without some exploration of this rare and highly versatile oil and it’s applications. Our Riads are situated in the historic old town of Marrakech which is surrounded by argan country, so anyone out there who’s itching to try this Mahgrebin delight why not book a room today in one of our luxurious Riads and find yourself some argan oil, we can even organise a day trip to Essaouira where you can stop off at one of the many co-operatives en route and while you’re there sample the Argan oil delights that Marrakech and Morocco has to offer.