Argan Oil
This is a precious comodity and an important product of Morocco
Supposedly in the past goats were fed the argon nuts. They would digest the outer layer and the nut would be collected for processing . The nuts are cracked and the inner kernal is used to create the oil.
These ladies are demonstrating how the oil was produced.
Many women's co-operatives have developed specifically for tourism where one can see the traditional methods of preparing the nuts. The oil is used in cosmetics and when toasted it is used in cooking.
Argan trees only grow in south-west Morocco and they are now protected a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Goats stunt the trees and are no longer used to digest the outer layer but are fed this once it has been removed. As one drives along there are goats in a few trees on the road side, but this is simply a photo oportunity for tourists. One that really cannot be resisited!
Strange last picture, is't manupulated ?
ReplyDeleteJan, the picture is exactly as I saw it with no manipulation.
ReplyDeleteDear Celia - Quite a different world there! Thanks so much for sharing it with us! Loved all the shots, especially the show prepared by the goats!
ReplyDeleteThank you Fabio, I have a great affection for goats they are all such characters. I felt very sorry for the women, it looked like a back breaking job, but for them it is an important way of making a living.
ReplyDeleteCelia, I love your storytelling. Gorgeous photos with such beautiful colours and the goats in the bushes are really a sight.
ReplyDeleteAnke, thank you very much for your kind words. It was a really interesting trip
ReplyDelete