Argan oil is extracted from the kernels housed in the fruit of the Argan tree (Argania Spinosa). This amazing tree with crooked trunks and small oval leaves covered with spines, grows only in a semi-arid region of southwestern Morocco. The Argan forests cover about 8,280 km², and are designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The argan tree still grows naturally, but unfortunately its species has declined by half since a century.

The miraculous Argan tree spread its roots to water at over thirty meters depth. Argan trees were God-sent in South West Morocco to hinder soil erosion and desert encroachment. Several attempt plantations were undertaken in other parts of the world without success… the benefits of Moroccan Argan oil can never be replicated elsewhere. Every aspect in the production process of Argan oil is a source of income and production is source of livelihood and sustenance to the local people. A social life reconciling farming, culinary and cosmetic practices have emerged around Argan oil.

Its fruit called "afiash" has the shape of a large olive. A pulp containing a hard kernel; in this shell fits a fragile fruit full of oil. Traditionally for centuries, women in this region are reaping these fruits to be dried in the sun and then husked by hand. Then with a pebble and a flat stone they break the shell and gently separate the shell of the kernel. With 30 kg of fruits picked we obtain around 2 kg of kernels which when mechanically cold-pressed and filtered will release a litre of “liquid gold”. It’s a laborious job that requires a lot of discipline and time. For centuries Argan oil has been handcraftly extracted by Moroccan women. Apart from eating it with bread as one of the healthiest super foods around the world, Berber women smear the hair and skin of this miraculous oil to protect themselves from the effects of sun, wind and sand. They massaged their children to offer them a natural shield. Its texture is not viscous but fluid and light, quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving a thin film that does not stick. Today these women are grouped in cooperatives. They are responsible for the collection, hulling and crushing. Extracting this delicate oil with subtle fragrance and taste is now done using mechanical pressing units.