Alnif Cumin Morocco
The village of Alnif is located in southeastern Morocco at an altitude of 880 meters in a bare, rocky, red- earthed valley at the foot of the eastern Anti-Atlas mountains.
Durum wheat, dates, almonds, oranges and figs are grown in the oasis, but the most intriguing products from this harsh arid landscape are henna and cumin.
Originally from Asia, the cumin plant from this area is prized for its quality and intense aroma.
It is planted at the end of January and harvested between the end of April and beginning of May before the plant has completely ripened and loses most of its seeds. This is the only way of keeping the bright green color.
The cumin is cut manually with a sickle, made into bunches and hung on a stick to dry in the shade before being beaten to release the seeds.
The seeds are sieved several times, using a container made of woven palm leaves, to remove dust and fine straw. They can keep for up to two years and are stone ground when needed using a traditional mill.
It is usually the women who harvest and process this fundamental ingredient of Moroccan cuisine.
Cumin is used to prepare tajines, couscous and traditional soups, and is also excellent with vegetables and boiled meats. It has various curative properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, colds, sinusitis and colic.
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The Presidium was created in 2009 through the initiative of a group of young members of the Slow Food Valdarno Convivium with the support of Slow Food Tuscany. To date, producers have been united into a group and packaging and promotional material have been produced.
Long-term goals are to improve the management of water and reduce water waste, and continue to promote the cumin. This will be done through a producers training, technical assistance from agronomists, communication initiatives and promotion of the product locally and internationally. Producers are also involved in the Thousand Gardens in Africa project, helping to make a positive change, particularly in schools in Alnif.
Production Area
Alnif, eastern Anti-Atlas, southeastern Morocco
Presidium supported by
Slow Food Valdarno Convivium
Slow Food Tuscany
11 producers members of the Alnif Cooperative
Alnif Cooperative
slowfoodalnif@gmail.com
Presidium Coordinators
Mohand Ihmadi
Tel. +212 666221593
slowfoodalnif@gmail.com
Producers Coordinator
Lahcen Bouazama
tel. +212 671318238
sourcier.alnif@yahoo.fr
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