Argan Oil Production: The Process from Tree to Bottle
Overview of the Process
Authentic Argan oil production is a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and modern efficiency. It begins in the Souss Valley of Southwestern Morocco, a region protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, the rare Argania Spinosa trees grow wild and free.
The fruits ripen during the summer months of June and July, turning a bright green or yellow color. Physically, the fruit resembles an oval-shaped almond. During the harvest, local communities gather to pick the raw materials directly from the branches. Contrary to popular myths involving goats, high-quality producers harvest the fruit directly from the tree to ensure hygiene and purity.
Inside the fruit’s thick peel lies a milky pulp protecting a hard-shelled nut. Crucially, these hard shells contain up to three oil-rich white kernels. Regardless of the technique used later, the process always begins with extracting these kernels. Ultimately, the final pure liquid contains nothing but the extract from these seeds.
Nutritional Breakdown and Benefits
The finished “liquid gold” is comprised of a complex blend of beneficial compounds. It is renowned globally for its health and beauty applications.
Specifically, the list below details some of the most vital components found in the extract:
- Anti-Oxidant Tocopherols: It boasts twice the Vitamin E content of olive oil.
- Essential Fatty Acids: Rich in Omega 6 and Omega 3 healthy fats.
- Triterpenoids: These play an important role in skin healing and cicatrisation.
- Beta Amyrine: Helps to stimulate cell growth.
- Butyrospermol: A powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
- Lupeol: Known for its antiseptic properties.
Differences Between Cosmetic and Culinary Grades
There are two distinct categories of this Moroccan specialty: cosmetic and culinary. Producers create both grades from cold-pressed kernels, meaning they contain similar nutrient levels. However, the difference lies in how processors handle the kernels prior to extraction.
The scented, single-filtered cosmetic variety typically displays a medium yellow hue. It may also contain more natural sediment than double-filtered options. In contrast, double-filtered oil has no noticeable scent and possesses a slightly richer omega fatty acid profile. Traditionally, people apply the cosmetic grade to hair to treat sun damage, burns, and skin conditions like eczema. Therefore, experts recommend the pure “deodorised” version for anti-ageing moisturizing.
On the other hand, the edible culinary version has a golden brown color. Chefs use this primarily for dipping bread, drizzling over salads, or cooking tagines. To create this edible variant, workers toast the kernels before pressing them. This toasting process alters the chemical properties, making it unsuitable for skin application, but giving it a delicious, nutty flavor.
Extraction Methods Explained
Manual Stone Pressing
Historically, local Berber women performed the extraction by hand. First, they remove the fruit covering and break the hard shells using stones. Next, they air-dry the kernels in clay containers. After cooling, the women grind the kernels and mix them with water to form a dough. This manual technique is labor-intensive; it takes about one week and roughly 150 kg of raw fruit to yield just 5 liters of liquid.
However, this traditional method is less common today for commercial exports. The resulting fluid often contains higher water content and sediment residue. Furthermore, the presence of vegetable fiber sediments means the shelf life is significantly shorter.
Modern Mechanical Cold Pressing
To improve quality and consistency, Argan oil production has evolved. The increased global demand provides extra income, allowing co-operatives to purchase modern mechanical presses. These machines allow for efficient cold-pressing of the kernels without the need for adding water.
There are several advantages to mechanical pressing. For instance, it extracts the fluid much faster, removing the arduous physical labor of the stone method. Additionally, mechanical presses produce a result with significantly lower water content. Consequently, this improves the texture and stability. Finally, the preserved nutrient levels in cold-pressed batches ensure a longer shelf life for the consumer.
Where to Buy Authentic Organic Oil?
Pure Argan Oil 2.03 fl oz
Pure double filtered Organic Argan Oil for a lighter Argan scent.
- 100% Pure Oil
- Certified Organic
- In Stock
- Quality Guarantee
- Free USPS 5-7 Day Tracked Shipping to U.S.
Now $21.22
We offer two different grades of genuine, pure products.
Both grades are extra virgin, cold-pressed, and organic. First, our Naturally Scented option undergoes a single filtration process, which retains the natural nutty aroma. Alternatively, our other cosmetic grade undergoes double filtration. This removes all sediments and lowers the water content for a completely neutral scent.