A tough nut to crack for the Berber women

collecting the argan nuts  

In painstaking detail work the nuts are then cracked between two stones, whereas it is taken care, that the almonds contained in the nuts remain undamaged. 

Each nut usually contains two or three almonds, from which the Argan oil is extracted. Argan almonds are of pumpkin seed size and also called pits or seeds.

Unusual skills are necessary in order to unite strength and sure instinct in one single stroke. The Argan nut, which has to be hit exactly at its suture to be opened, is fifteen times harder than a hazel nut. Anyway, the author's approach to copy this action put a broad smile on the faces of all attendees.