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“ From Antiquity and throughout the Middle Ages, this oil was used in perfumes because it is neutral, odorless, has a great longevity without going rancid and because it helps bring out the individual essences of perfumes. The best oil came most notably from the Hijaz. An Abbasid caliph supplied himself directly from Qurh, one of the most ancient cities of AlUla. ”
Elisabeth Dodinet,
Director of the Botanical Products Division, AFALULA
Peregrina has long been a special part of the regional culture, as its grains are used in prayer beads in Yemen and are part of the traditional medicine. In particular, the oil extracted from its fruits (“ben oil”) makes it an exceptional natural resource. Al- Nuwayrī, a 13th century historian, refers to the Arab physicist Al-Tamimi, who lived 300 years earlier, reporting on what would be one of the oldest methods of extraction by Bedouin tribes. Long before them, Pliny the Elder, in his Natural History (c. 77 CE), immortalized the recipe for a special Royal perfume, based on Peregrina oil.
Already cited in ancient texts, such as those by Theophrastus in the 4th century BC, Moringa peregrina has been assured of its enduring place in the local culture for many centuries. The species is native to the edges of the Red Sea and is therefore intimately linked to the history of the peoples of the Peninsula. A species of oilseed tree, Peregrina is resistant to extreme environments, justifiably earning its place as witness to the civilizations that have risen and fallen through the centuries and throughout the AlUla region.
A member of the Moringaceae family, Moringa peregrina has grey-green leaves and pale pink flowers and can easily reach eight to ten meters in height. Perfectly adapted to drought, rocky soils and strong winds, the tree bears fruit after three years of growth.
Scientific research on the Peregrina is very promising, having established amazing benefits for both health and beauty. Its antioxidant and deeply hydrating properties are the subject of extensive studies, piloted by AFALULA for the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).
“ Up to now, there were limited economic opportunities. With the development of the AlUla Peregrina sector, nearly 150 farms, involving around 500 people, will participate in the Peregrina cultivation development and seed purchase program this year. ”
Nicolas Levron,
Managing Director
of AlUla Peregrina
Trading Company (APTC)
“ Up to now, there were limited economic opportunities. With
the development of the AlUla
Peregrina sector, nearly 150 farms, involving around 500 people, will participate in the Peregrina cultivation development and seed purchase program this year. ”
Nicolas Levron,
Managing Director
of AlUla Peregrina
Trading Company (APTC)
Based around Peregrina and in cooperation with local farmers, for the last 3 years the RCU and AFALULA have been supporting the development of a socially and economically responsible sector, respectful of the environment while generating high added value.
DISCOVER
THE ALULA
PEREGRINA PROGRAM
AGRICULTURE
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ALULA
PEREGRINA
TRADING
THE COMPANY
DISCOVER
A GROWING AND
PROMISING
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PRODUCTION
The number of laboratory employees should triple by 2025 with the continued acceleration of the sector’s development and the further training of young local talents. Other industries and sectors are planning to further extend the use of Peregrina: the development plan aims at a fourfold increase in seed purchases. In 2025, a complete production unit should be in place, with an established network of farmers driving forward a quite unique sector on the Peninsula with the additional benefit that all the added value is created on-site.
Peregrina is just one example among many of the opportunities that the Perfumes and Botanicals Center offers in partnership with the Royal Commission in the region. Locally developed research and development programs are constantly studying new ways of growing plants in the Arabian desert.
Throughout its history, France has been a center of expertise across many domains, and none more so than in those of perfumery and cosmetics, the most notable centers of which are to be found in the city of Grasse, with its UNESCO heritage status. In addition, France has strong traditions in learning and education, both at the practical and academic levels. AFALULA thus plays a central role in the continuing economic development of AlUla as a unique center of Arabic cosmetics and perfumes, anchored within its historical, traditional, and natural heritage.
PERFUME AND COSMETICS,
A FRENCH EXPERTISE
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