Before I started planning my trip to Morocco, I had never heard of Argon Oil, but apparently a lot of other people view it as a miricle product. Argon trees grow in the part of Morocco around Essaouira and the nut of the tree is used to make an oil that is used in cooking and also in cosmetic products. The fruit of the Argon tree is enjoyed by goats who actually climb the thorny trees to eat them. Inside the fruit is a hard seed that is not digested by the goat, but when cracked contains a kernel that yields the oil. It takes three trees to produce enough kernels for one liter of oil.
Our day started with a trip to an Argon co-op where the nuts are harvested and processed
. This co-op provides employment for about 40 women who work half day shifts. In order to provide more opportunities, the nuts are not harvested in the traditional way, but are picked by the women, who remove the flesh, crack the outer seed and grind the kernals by hand. The kernals used for cosmetics are roasted before being ground, but the ones used for cooking are ground raw. After watching the women at work we were able to sample some of the products.
Next we visited a village market. The name of the village is Sunday Market, because that it the day that the market is held. Later we saw towns named Tuesday Market and Saturday Market. Around the edge ofthe village were several parking areas--one for donkeys ane carts, and a couple for pack animals. The olive harest is underway so there were lots of olives for sale. We also stopped by the animal auction, but by the time we got there, the auction was over. Animals were being loaded into vehicle, either by their new owner, of if they hadn't been sold, to be transported to the next day's market
. Sopmetimes, the trucks had two levels and cattle were raised to the upper level with ropes and pulleys, and several strong men. They were very efficient. We also walked thriough a flea market type area where almost everything was for sale.
The next stop was the butchers area where Ab bought some camel meat for us to try later. I am an avowed carnivore, and I understand how meat reaches my table, but I found this part of the market very disturbing.
Then we visited a local vineyard and winery, which was a refreshing change from the market. We were able to sample a flight of the wines produced as we sat in the tasting room overlooking the vineyard. I bought a bottle of white wine to share with the wine group at Donna's. Finally, we visited a family in a nearby village, where we had lunch. In addition to the salads and tagines, we also had camel kabobs, which were very tasty if a little chewy.
Everyone Loves Argon
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Essaouira, Morocco
Other Entries
-
1Four Days and Counting
Sep 2720 days priorColumbia, United Statesphoto_camera0videocam 0comment 2 -
2Today's Highlight was a Visit to the Supermarket
Oct 0116 days priorRabat, Moroccophoto_camera3videocam 0comment 1 -
3Rabat--The First Day
Oct 0215 days priorRabat, Moroccophoto_camera6videocam 0comment 2 -
4Cork forests, a synagogue, and roman ruins
Oct 0314 days priorFez, Moroccophoto_camera14videocam 0comment 0 -
5Fez is a Hat, the City is Fes
Oct 0413 days priorFes, Moroccophoto_camera10videocam 0comment 0 -
6From the Mountains to the Desert
Oct 0512 days priorErfoud, Moroccophoto_camera9videocam 0comment 0 -
7Fossils and Camels and Sand
Oct 0611 days priorSahara Desert--Merzouga and Beyond, Moroccophoto_camera10videocam 0comment 0 -
8Camping in the Desert
Oct 0710 days priorSahara Desert, Moroccophoto_camera13videocam 0comment 0 -
9Hurray for Civilization
Oct 089 days priorTinerhir, Moroccophoto_camera5videocam 0comment 2 -
10School boys, Blue men and Henna Hands
Oct 098 days priorTinerhir, Moroccophoto_camera11videocam 0comment 0 -
11On the Road of 1000 Kasbahs
Oct 107 days priorOuarzazate, Moroccophoto_camera5videocam 0comment 0 -
12We were riding on the Marrakesh Express
Oct 116 days priorMarrakech, Moroccophoto_camera6videocam 0comment 1 -
13Exploring Marrakesh--Or Saved by a Caleche
Oct 125 days priorMarrakech, Moroccophoto_camera6videocam 0comment 1 -
14Hidden Marrakesh
Oct 134 days priorMarrakesh, Moroccophoto_camera8videocam 0comment 0 -
15Inside the Mosque and Church
Oct 143 days priorCasablanca, Moroccophoto_camera5videocam 0comment 0 -
16Back on the Road
Oct 152 days priorEssaouira, Moroccophoto_camera8videocam 0comment 0 -
17Fish, a Wind Farm and Tree Climbing Goats
Oct 161 day priorEssaouira, Moroccophoto_camera7videocam 0comment 0 -
18Everyone Loves Argon
Oct 17Essaouira, Moroccophoto_camera8videocam 0comment 0 -
19I Really DIDN'T Want to Go to Disneyland
Oct 192 days laterParis, Francephoto_camera2videocam 0comment 0
2025-02-13