Argan Oil: Morocco’s “Liquid Gold”
Visiting the Argan Forest

Argan oil is often called “liquid gold” because of its many benefits and its traditional production process. The oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan fruit through a careful and labor-intensive method that has been practiced for centuries.

Traditionally, Moroccan women in local cooperatives crack the hard argan nuts by hand, roast the kernels (for culinary oil), and then grind them into a paste. The paste is pressed to produce the rich golden oil. Today, many cooperatives still use traditional methods while improving hygiene and efficiency.

Argan oil has two main uses:

  • Culinary argan oil – used in Moroccan cuisine, often with bread, couscous, or salads. It has a rich, nutty flavor.

  • Cosmetic argan oil – widely used in skincare and hair products because it is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.

Travelers visiting Morocco often pass through the Argan forest when traveling between Marrakech and the Atlantic coast, especially toward Essaouira. Visiting an argan cooperative allows travelers to see the traditional oil-making process, learn about the cultural importance of the tree, and support local women’s communities.

Many desert and cultural tours include a stop in this unique ecosystem. For example, Sahara Desert Crew organizes several tours across Morocco that include visits to the argan forest and local cooperatives. Travelers joining tours through sahara-desert-crew.com can experience the beauty of the Moroccan countryside while learning about the history and production of authentic argan oil.

These visits offer a wonderful opportunity to discover one of Morocco’s most famous natural products while supporting sustainable tourism and local traditions.



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