Olives and olive oil have permeated and sustained Moroccan food and culture for thousands of years. For me, olive oil is all about the olive oil culture and my connection with the olive tree as a kid. A fond memory of mine is having family picnics under the trees on my grandfather’s farm, where we’d watch the fruits grow and thrive. During harvest time, family and neighbors would gather for the festival of olive oil. They would sample, honor, and celebrate the goodness and purity of the high-quality olive oil my grandfather had worked so hard to create and share.

I remember the celebration of the production of new olive oil, which lasted for three days in my family. Traditional authentic Moroccan food was made with olive oil and doused at the table with more olive oil. I vividly remember the place and the process of extracting the oil. The press was a large round stone with vertical wheels powered by two mules at the time. The stone would roll and crush the olives, and dark or green (depending on the olives) pulpy oil would drain out of a hole into a large round stone basin. Further steps consisted of separating the pulp from the oil. My grandfather would bless the new olive oil for eating and healing on the first day.

No part of the olive was wasted. After the oil extraction, women would gather the leaves and the pulp of the olives to use for natural soap and medicinal properties.

Polyphenol Rich Olive Oil from Morocco

Olives are naturally rich in polyphenols, making them a powerhouse for internal and external health. Inflammation is the cause of many diseases we see today. Internally, polyphenols help douse the inflammatory fire caused by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

Our skin also suffers the consequences of our modern way of living. Pollution, poor diet, and stress… all take a toll on our skin. Polyphenol-rich olive oil from Morocco can help rejuvenate and bring new life to tired skin.

Studies have shown that polyphenols have many health benefits, including

• restored mitochondrial health
• reduced inflammation
• promotion of cardiovascular and brain health
• potential help with weight management

Minarra’s soap contains extra virgin Moroccan olive oil to renew and restore skin health. Olive oil not only moisturizes the skin with its soothing and healing nature but is also rich in antioxidants. The vitamins and antioxidants in olive oil make it the perfect skin food to help reduce signs of aging and restore our youthful glow.