Argan oil: Morocco's 'desert gold' and the fight for its survival

By Bianca Britton, CNN

Updated 1017 GMT (1817 HKT) November 15, 2016

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Argan oil, derived from argan nuts, is a precious commodity and a cash crop in Morocco. It's an industry on the up, but standing in its way is the humble goat, which has the potential to graze businesses into perilous waters.
Photos: Argan oil: From nut to bottle
Argan oil, derived from argan nuts, is a precious commodity and a cash crop in Morocco. It's an industry on the up, but standing in its way is the humble goat, which has the potential to graze businesses into perilous waters.
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Olive-like yellow fruit grow on Argan trees in Morocco's southwest. Inside they contain the kernel that's required to make the country's rare and precious commodity: Argan oil.
Photos: Argan oil: From nut to bottle
Olive-like yellow fruit grow on Argan trees in Morocco's southwest. Inside they contain the kernel that's required to make the country's rare and precious commodity: Argan oil.
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Opportunistic goats climb the gnarled trunks of the Argan trees to eat its bitter fruits. In the past, locals would collect the pits from the goat's droppings.
Photos: Argan oil: From nut to bottle
Opportunistic goats climb the gnarled trunks of the Argan trees to eat its bitter fruits. In the past, locals would collect the pits from the goat's droppings.
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Due to the threat of overgrazing, seasonal goat bans have been put in place to ensure the animals can't get to the bitter fruits and stunt the Argan tree's growth.
Photos: Argan oil: From nut to bottle
Due to the threat of overgrazing, seasonal goat bans have been put in place to ensure the animals can't get to the bitter fruits and stunt the Argan tree's growth.
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The kernels which are used to create the golden-colored oil are encased within an incredibly strong nut. For centuries locals used the oil for medicinal and culinary purposes, but now, people abroad have become increasingly interested in the oil for its cosmetic and nutritional properties.
Photos: Argan oil: From nut to bottle
The kernels which are used to create the golden-colored oil are encased within an incredibly strong nut. For centuries locals used the oil for medicinal and culinary purposes, but now, people abroad have become increasingly interested in the oil for its cosmetic and nutritional properties.
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The booming business has played a crucial role in progressing the lives of women who live in Morocco. Previously it was uncommon for them to work outside their homes, but now they're able to earn a decent wage by crushing the tough Argan tree nuts.