The Art of Argan: Craft Your Own "Liquid Gold" with a Berber Family
Immerse yourself directly in the ancestral art of argan oil production with an intimate, hands-on workshop at the rural Essaouira home of a Berber family. This focused experience is perfect for those who wish to delve deep into the traditional craft, understand its cultural significance, and create their own precious Argan oil, all under the guidance of women who have inherited this knowledge through generations.
Your Unfiltered Argan Crafting Experience:
Upon arrival at the family's home, you'll be greeted with traditional hospitality, including refreshing Berber tea, setting a friendly and relaxed tone for your workshop. Hafida and her sisters will then introduce you to the Argan fruit and nut, explaining the harvesting process and the differences between cosmetic and culinary oil.
Get hands-on as you learn the traditional, skillful technique of cracking the Argan nuts to reveal the precious kernels within. Experience grinding the Argan kernels using a traditional rotary stone mill – a mesmerizing and rhythmic process that has been used for centuries. Then, learn the delicate art of kneading the Argan paste to slowly coax out the rich, golden oil. This is a crucial step requiring patience and technique, which your hosts will expertly demonstrate.
You will produce unroasted (cosmetic) Argan oil, and you'll leave with a bottle of the very oil you helped create – a truly unique and personal souvenir. The experience includes a delightful tasting of the family's own culinary Argan oil, perfectly paired with fresh homemade bread and local honey. Discover its nutty flavor and versatility. Beyond the craft, this workshop is a chance to connect with this Berber family, learn about their daily lives, the importance of Argan in Amazigh women's culture, and share a moment of genuine human connection.
Meet Your Artisan Hosts: Hafida & Her Sisters
The women of the family are not just producers; they are custodians of a vital Berber tradition. They approach this craft with skill, pride, and a heartfelt desire to share their heritage with respect and authenticity. Fluent in French, English, Arabic, and Southern Amazigh, they ensure clear communication and create a rich learning environment for everyone.
Why This Argan Workshop is Unique & "Unfiltered" ?
This workshop allows you to concentrate purely on the art and craft of Argan oil production. The family ensure individual attention and meaningful interaction. You'll be actively involved in every key step of the traditional process, learning in an authentic Berber family home, not in a commercial cooperative. The emphasis is on learning, sharing, and experiencing the culture, not on purchases.
The Details & Pricing
Experience Price:
1 person: €95
2 to 6 people: €65 per person
7 people and more: €60 per person
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours.
Includes: Welcome tea, all materials for the Argan oil workshop, hands-on instruction, your own bottle of freshly made cosmetic Argan oil, tasting of culinary high quality Argan oil with bread and honey.
Transport isn't included (see the options down below).
Languages Spoken by Hosts: French, English, Arabic, Southern Amazigh.
Optional Private Transport (Round trip from Essaouira to the family home):
Private taxi (1-4 people): Approx. €55
Mini bus (5+ people): Approx. €65
(Please contact us to arrange transport upon booking based on your group size)
Good to Know: This workshop can be combined with other experiences with the family on the same day to avoid multiple transports (such as a meal or a bread-making class).
Optional Meal at Hafida's Home: Extend your immersion with a traditional home-cooked lunch or dinner.
Combined with a workshop: €25 per person
Meal only: €35 per person
Ready to Create Your Own Moroccan Treasure?
Join the family for an enriching workshop that connects you to an ancient craft and the warm heart of Berber culture.
