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Flower cultivation in Morocco

Written on : 03 March 2020
By : Léa Frémiot

Plan your trip to Morocco and discover its rich culture. Even if you have already visited Morocco, this country still has many treasures for you to see. Indeed, in addition to beautiful landscapes, a great cultural diversity, or gourmet gastronomy, Morocco is also a land of traditions. One of these is the cultivation of flowers, particularly saffron and orange blossom. Flowers, appreciated for their beauty and scent, can also have medicinal, gastronomic, or well-being properties. A great producer of care and beauty products, discover the flowers of Morocco.

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The Damascus Rose and the Valley of Roses

The Damascus Rose and the Valley of Roses

Mainly cultivated in the south of Morocco near Damascus and in the mythical Rose Valley, 3,500 to 5,000 tonnes are harvested by hand each year. 

The cultivation of the rose, a typical flower of this region of Morocco, represents an economic and income-generating activity for the inhabitants of this region whose know-how is unique. Indeed, the harvests, which take place from April to June, are particularly delicate because of the thorns and are mainly carried out by the women.

40% of the seasonal harvest is then sent to the region's distilleries to extract the essences and transform them into essential oils, also known as rose attar, sold to perfumers. The production residues will be used for rose water and derived cosmetic products such as creams, soaps, or lotions. 

The Valley of the Roses is particularly animated at the end of the harvest when many tourists, mainly Moroccans, celebrate the Moussem of the roses, a typically Moroccan event. This festival, usually held at the end of May, is famous throughout the country, where visitors are sprayed with rose water as a welcome. An infinite number of rose petals are strewn around the village streets, and a young girl is elected queen for a day. Many traditional dances can be seen in all the Berber villages of the Rose Valley, such as the bee dance. 

As these villages are close to the mountains, we advise you to go there by car if you don't want to miss the magnificent celebrations of this traditional flower of Morocco.
 

The Prickly Pear Flower

The Prickly Pear Flower

The prickly pear is found in abundance in rural areas of Morocco, mainly in the Atlantic plateaus and plains. You can also see them in the Rif in the north of the country. This emblematic Moroccan flower is an essential part of the kingdom's landscape!
 
As far as its cultivation is concerned, Berber tradition dictates that the dried flowers of the prickly pear used to make infusions. Thus, these typical Moroccan flowers are also used as a health and cosmetic products. 
 
Rich in potassium and calcium, they are highly sought after for their virtues and anti-inflammatory properties. These Berber-grown flowers are  appreciated for their effects against stomach aches or to prevent ulcers.
 
Between July and August, the flowers of this cactus give way to egg-shaped fruits: the prickly pear. The figs are harvested with a long cane between August and October, depending on their color which indicates their sugar content. 
 
Although prickly pear trees are very numerous in Morocco and, the marketing of their flowers and figs is an economic activity, they are threatened by a pest called the carmine scale. 

Orange blossom

Orange blossom

The orange flower is a typically Moroccan flower with a seductive smell. Morocco is an active producer of orange blossoms - the vastest plantations are between Marrakech and Fez. 
 
If you visit Marrakech in March, you will have the chance to enjoy the orange blossoms and the delicate smell that permeates the city at this time. You may also see women and children beating the branches of the city's orange trees with long canes to harvest the flowers. 
 
In the plantations, the cultivation of orange flowers is very traditional-  mainly done by the women- as for the roses, the harvest is delicate because it is important not to mix the leaves with the essence of the flowers. Once harvested, the orange blossoms are processed and condensed to obtain the quintessence to be sold. 
 
If you have the opportunity to taste Moroccan gastronomy, you will discover that many dishes and especially oriental pastries have orange blossoms, such as gazelle horns. 
 
This flower is also in herbal teas, essential oils, cosmetics, soaps, and perfumes. Don't miss the Orange Blossom Day, celebrated in the Medina garden in March. 

The saffron flower, Crocus Sativus

The saffron flower, Crocus Sativus

The crocus sativus is the symbolic flower of Morocco. It is a violet flower appreciated for its pistils. Indeed, this typical Moroccan flower is home to one of the most expensive spices in the world: saffron. 
 
Morocco is one of the major players in the production of saffron, and its cultivation supports many families. Grown in mountainous areas, it is know-how passed on from generation to generation. The crocus bulbs are sown in August, then bloom the following month. The flower is fragile and is harvested by hand around October. Once the flower is picked the red pistil is separated and dried before giving this famous spice. 
 
Taliouine, a town south of Marrakech, alone accounts for 90% of the kingdom's production. Known as the capital of the saffron flower, it is the place not to be missed to discover long purple fields scattered with this typical Moroccan flower.
 
This spice is very popular in Moroccan gastronomy, in dishes such as tagines, a colorful and tasty touch. Saffron is also known for its medicinal benefits. Rich in iron and magnesium, this oil is used to moisturize and nourish the skin, reduce anxiety and improve digestion.
 
This red gold- saffron is a quality spice that fetches very high prices. 
 
During your stay in Morocco, you will be amazed by the diversity of colors and intoxicating smells. 
 

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