The Valley of Roses
Is the nickname of the Dades valley located in southern Morocco, at the foot of the High Atlas between El Kelaa M’Gouna and Boumalne Dades. It is a long line of small villages and traditional adobe houses, whose wealth is hidden in gardens invisible from the road. Its economy is essentially based on the agriculture of the rose.
Roses are traditionally used for the production of rose water. The roses, whose smell spreads everywhere in May, a few days before the harvest, give a particular tone to this valley.
The Damascus Rose or Rosa Damescena, which resists cold and drought, was introduced in Morocco by pilgrims returning from Mecca in the 10th century. It was first cultivated for local consumption, in the form of rose water (still called hydrolat), then in the form of rose oil for export and the perfume industry. Annually three to four thousand tons of roses are harvested, during a week that ends with the very touristy (Moussem of roses)
Traditionally the families of producers use it, for perfume, cooking, and body care.