How Argan Oil is Made
The Argan Oil Production Process
Argan Oil is made from the nut kernels of the fruit of Argan Spinosa tree.
The Argan fruits ripen around June or July when they are bright green/yellow. They are almond nut sized and ovoid.
At harvest, communities come together to pick the precious fruits from the trees and collect any that have dropped onto the ground.
Inside of the fruit, there is a milky pulp, covered by a thick peel. This covers a very hard-shelled seed which is the Argan nut. The Argan nuts contain up to three oil-rich white kernels from which Argan oil is extracted. No matter which method is used to press the Argan Oil and extract the pure oil the process always starts the same way.
Pure Argan Oil should contain nothing but the oil extracted from the Argan nut kernels.
What is Moroccan Argan Oil Made of?
The extracted Argan Oil is made up of a complex blend of nutrients and vitamins.
This list shows of some of the most important nutrients that make up Moroccan Argan Oil:
- Anti Oxidant Tocopherols – with twice the Vitamin E content of Olive oil
- Essential Fatty Acids – Omega 6 and Omega 3 healthy fatty acids
- Triterpenoids – which have an important role in cicatrisation
- Beta Amyrine – to stimulate cell growth
- Butyrospermol – a powerful anti inflammatory
- Lupeol – antiseptic
Cosmetic vs Culinary Argan Oil Production
There are two types Argan Oil -One is for cosmetic use and the other culinary.
Both grades of Argan Oil are made from cold-pressed Argan nut kernels.
Both of these oils contain very similar levels of nutrients and vitamins.
The difference between each type of oil is that they processed in a slightly different way.
Scented, single filtered Cosmetic Argan Oil is a medium yellow colour and contains more sediment that a pure doubled filtered oil. The double filtered oil has no noticeable smell and has a slightly richer omega fatty acid content. It is the Cosmetic oil that has been traditionally used for its anti-ageing properties, on the hair, for treatment of sun damage to the skin, burns and skin problems such as Eczema. Pure “deodorised” Argan Oil is recommended for use for hair treatments and is the preferred choice for anti ageing moisturising treatments. Single filtered cosmetic oil is also good for cosmetics use but is reported to be a better choice for skin problems and very dry skin.
The edible version, culinary Argan oil, has a golden brown colour and is used for cooking and eating. To produce this oil the Argan nut kernels are first toasted. The toasting changes the properties of the oil making it unsuitable for cosmetic use. Toasted, edible Argan Oil has a golden brown colour and delicious nutty flavour.
Making Argan Oil – Extraction Process
Traditional Extraction Method
Traditionally, Argan Oil is extracted by women. After removing the covering the Argan nuts are broken with stones and the kernels are air-dried in clay containers. After cooling the kernels are ground and made into the dough by mixing with water for several minutes. It takes about 1 week and about 150 kg of raw fruits to make 5 litres of oil. Argan trees will make up to 150 kg of fruit, producing about 5 litres of extracted oil, on a good year.
This method of production is no longer in general use. The oil produced is lower in nutrients as a result of the higher water content and sediment residue. The vegetable fibre sediments and water content mean that oil produced this way has a shorter shelf life.
Modern Mechanical Cold Pressing
To improve product content quality the method Argan Oil is made with has been changing in recent years. The extra income the newfound interest in Argan Oil has provided means that most co-operatives can now afford to buy modern mechanical presses to extract and Argan Oil made from nut kernels that are cold-pressed.
There are a number of advantages to using a mechanical press. A mechanical press is quicker at extracting the oil, a process that was also quite arduous. The Argan co-operatives have also found that the oil produced by the mechanical presses has lower water content. This lower water content has meant that the oil has an improved shelf life and richer texture. The higher nutrient levels in cold-pressed oil also give a longer shelf life.
Where to buy Authentic organic Argan Oil?
Pure Argan Oil 60 ml
Pure double filtered Organic Argan Oil with almost no Argan nut smell.
- 100% Pure Oil
- Certified Organic
- In Stock
- Quality Guarantee
- Free USPS 5-7 Day Tracked Shipping to U.S.
Now $19.78
We produce two different grades of genuine,pure Argan Oil.
Both grades of oil are extra virgin, cold-pressed, organic oils pressed from Argan nut kernels.
Our Naturally Scented Argan Oil has been filtered once and retains the natural Argan nut scent.
Our other grade of cosmetic Argan Oil is double-filtered to remove all sediments and lower the water content.