Morocco Argan Oil

Welcome to Morocco's last entry

It was a lovely week to get some basic knowledge of Morocco's culture and tradition. For the next four weeks I will upload each day an inspirational image and design the Logo and Login Page of my future website. I will use Wordpress to start with, as I'm more of a Designer / Marketing Specialist than a Programmer. Though I know basic HTML and CSS. But let's see what we can learn today and while we do this we can get inspired. Here we go! A video about how to transform Agar Tree Kernels into "Moroccon Oil".

Argan Oil is better known as Moroccan Oil in the cosmetic market. The plant oil is  produced from the kernels of the argan tree.

Argan Tree

The tree is extremely well adapted to drought and other environmentally harsh conditions of southwestern Morocco. The genus Argania once covered North Africa and is now endangered and under protection of UNESCO.Argan trees were first reported by the explorer Leo Africanus in 1510.

Press extraction

The oil will keep 12-18 months and extraction is now increasingly important for a much faster oil produced sale. Through using mechanical presses, mixing of the dough and water is unnecessary and the dough can be directly pressed.

The fruits of the argan tree are nut-sizes and may be round, oval or conical in shape. The fruits are covered by a thick peel which covers the fleshy pulp. Contained within the nut are one to three argan oil-rich kernels. 

In order to extract the kernels, the argan fruits are first dried in the open air and then the fleshy pulp of the fruit is removed. The flesh is usually used as feed for animals.

The next stage involves cracking the argan nut to obtain the argan kernels. It is still carried out by hand, making it a time-consuming and labour-intensive process.

Kernels used to make argan oil for food use, culinary argan oil, are then gently roasted. After the argan kernels have cooled down, they are ground and pressed. The brown-colored mash expels pure, unfiltered argan oil. After this, unfiltered argan oil is decanted into vessels. 

Cosmetic argan oil is produced almost identically, although the argan kernels are not roasted to avoid an excessively nutty scent.

After pressing, the argan oil is decanted and left to rest for approximately two weeks. This allows solids suspended in the argan oil to settle to the bottom, creating a natural sediment. The clearer argan oil may then be further filtered depending on the clarity and degree of purity required. 

Culinary uses

Argan food oil is used for dipping bread, on couscous, salads and similar uses. Amlou, a thick brown paste with a consistency similar to peanut butter, is produced by grinding roasted almond and argan oil using stones, and is used locally as a bread dip.

Various claims about the beneficial effects on health due to the consumption of argan oil have been made. Researchers have concluded that daily consumption of argan oil is 'highly likely' to be one factor helping the prevention of various cancers, cardiovascular diseases and obesity.

[edit]Cosmetic uses

Unroasted argan oil is traditionally used as a treatment for skin diseases and as a cosmetic oil for skin and hair:

"In cosmetics, argan oil is advocated as moisturizing oil, against acne and flaking of the skin as well as for [nourishing] the hair. This oil has also medicinal uses against rheumatism and the healing of burns.

Impacts

The labour-intensive nature of argan oil production, now frequently carried out by women’s co-operatives, has provided a steady income for many women and their families, improved the social status of some women and has encouraged producers of other agricultural products to examine the co-operative model.

Environmental impacts

The Argan tree provides food, shelter and protection from desertification. The tree has deep roots which help prevent desert encroachment. 

The argan tree also helps landscape stability, helping to prevent soil erosion, providing shade for pasture grasses and helping to replenish aquifers.

Social impacts

The production of argan oil has always had a socio-economic function. At present, argan oil production supports approximately 2.2 million people in the main argan oil producing region (the Arganeraie).

Employment in the co-operatives provides women with an income, which many have used to fund education for themselves or their children. It has also provided them with a degree of autonomy in a traditionally male-dominated society and has helped many become more aware of their rights.

The success of the argan co-operatives has also encouraged other producers of agricultural products to adopt the co-operative model.

Thanks for tuning in again and wherever you are have an amazing day.