Agadir’s are the people who live in South-Western Morocco’s Agadir region. The Argan tree is synonymous to this region and has been major a source of livelihood for the people. An Argan tree can grow to about 10 mtrs in height and can have a life span of upto 200 years. The tree is thorny and the fruit, which is the size of an olive, holds one of the most valuable and natural oil grown, both for cosmetic and nutritive purposes, called Argan oil.

There is a much celebrated manual process followed for extraction of the Argan oil, sold around the world as the famous Agadir Argan oil. The oil extraction has been disseminated down traditionally and now mostly undertaken by women’s cooperatives. The arduous method includes drying the fruit after it has ripened and fallen to the ground, crushing the nuts, roasting and then grinding the kernels and finally make it into a paste and extracting the oil. Quite a time consuming and laborious process. It is said, that it takes almost 100 kg of the Argan fruit to extract 1 litre of Argan oil after 10 hrs of work.

Agadir Argan Oil is said to be the most expensive oil and has numerous properties and almost magical benefits.

a) Cosmetic Uses: Argan Oil is natural oil which has immense anti-ageing properties and hydrates and keeps your hair supple, shiny and luxurious. Rich in Vitamin E and lineoic acids it enriches the skin and can eliminate aching muscles, rheumatic joints, etc. It is also used for massage therapy, treating Psoriasis and hair loss treatments and even for tanning process.

b) Nutritive Uses:  The most important feature of Agadir Argan Oil is that it contains high level of anti-oxidants, thus reducing cholesterol levels. It also reduces blood pressure. It is said to posses much higher amounts of Vitamin E than olive oil and used in salads, marinades for meats, dipping oil, omelettes and vegetarian dishes.

The Agadir city is inhabited by the Agadirs who harvest this tree. With support of the Moroccan Government, the acreage of this wonderful tree is growing. Because of the restorative qualities of the Agadir Argan oil, its consumption has been steadily increasing. Interestingly, it is said that regular consumption of the oil increases brain activity, like essential fish oils. There are a variety of products prepared with the basic ingredient of the Argan oil, especially for cosmetic uses and has had rave reviews by almost all users across the globe. What perhaps is required is a concentrated marketing campaign for the Argan oil. The Agadir Argan oil, which had a trademark dispute with the Moroccan oil, has had numerous women admirers, no matter the high cost.

This miracle oil has helped protect the argan trees and also a natural protection form desertification and providing soil stability. The Argan tree leaves and fruits provide food for animals, particularly goats. The Agadir Argan oil has reached stardom, mainly because of its use in various skin care products.