ARGAN OIL is a plant oil made from the kernels of the Argan tree which is endemic to Morocco.
Argan oil is mainly consumed as a dip for bread during breakfast or simply drizzled over a salad.
It is also used and found in various cosmetic products.
I've always been curious about this product and wanted to know more about it...
During my last visit to Morocco, I did everything possible to be able to go and spend a day where it is cultivated, harvested and produced!
This is not a movie scene...the acrobatic goats (brought by the farmers) climb up Argan trees, and eat the Argan fruits...then release the nuts in their waste.
In the extreme heat during summer, this is of great help indeed. The farmers just need to collect the nuts after being released by the goats.
Leaving Agadir to Essaouira, after 2 hours drive or so, on the National Road 1, we finally reached Souss-Massa, the heart of Argan oil!
And in the middle of nowhere...there was this small craft shop preparing Argan oil from scratch and selling all different products based with the oil extracted...right there in the shop!
My dream was realizing when I discovered the place!!!
So let me show you how the Argan fruits are transformed until they become the precious oil - All of the photos on this posts were taken by me.
Here is the ripe and ready Argan fruit on the tree. The fruits will be eaten by the acrobatic goats and nuts released in their waste- see notes above. - The traditional way.
Otherwise, in large farms, the trees are shaken by machines, then the fruits collected and let dry - until it becomes as the below picture.
Dry Argan fruits.
Dry Argan fruits displayed at the shop!
The Argan nut with shells on after removal of the pulp.
Deshelled nut - This is what is used to make the oil.
The 3 stages of Argan fruits.
Back in the early days, people were using these small mortars to make their own oil at home.
In the shop...the kernels are slightly roasted then put in this machine which keeps on rolling whole day to turn the kernels into a paste.
The paste is then put in bocals and let to rest until the oil gets separated. And it goes through a fine cloth to collect the pure oil.
Next step was the bottling and put on shelves for sales!
Here they also sell raw organic honey - I've tasted and can confirm that this was the best honey I've ever had.
And of course...the ladies favorite cosmetic products. From natural Argan soaps, to face cream and hair oil...
For health benefits of Argan oil, kindly check on the below link:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/argan-oil
I hope this post has helped you better understand the process of making Argan oil.
Ps. This is my first contribution in the Natural Medicine community, looking forward to contribute more!
