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!
Best regards.
@progressivechef
Love it! Great post. I remember discovering Arran oil in Morocco and all the different qualities. The stuff is like gold there. I can still recall the scent.
Absolutely, more than gold I will say! The Moroccans are really proud of their products, and they have reason to be.
Just one drop gives such an amazing scent!
A traditional way is a beautiful process in the world, indeed! You are lucky to be able to explore them!
I heard once about argan oil, but never have it in real life :)
Yes my friend, I just enjoy it so much discovering different cultures and traditions...Morocco is among the best countries to visit to be exposed to real stuffs...especially for foodies.
Argan is incomparable, that's the reason for it's super high price.
Argan oil is legendary, thanks for sharing this informative post with us. We have a few argan oil products in our house, but I know they are very diluted because real pure argan oil is super expensive.
Thanks for sharing!
@NaturalMedicine supports wellness of body, mind, soul and earth on HIVE.
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Will share some more contents relating to this awesome community for sure.
Despite having work in top cuisines across the world...hmmm the Argan oil we were using was just not that😅😅😅
Only when i went to the source...then came to know the real stuff.
Another example is orange blossom water...i got the real one in Morocco...oh man...what to say?!?!
Stay blessed!
🙏🙏🙏
Ohhh yesss! You are such an amazing person! Thanks for all the support my friend! Rest assured, i'll make my level best to keep on producing the best posts I can.
Stay blessed and wish you a wonderful day ahead!
Looks amazing! You made me return to Morocco for a moment!_ I also visited an argan oil producer and it was a fantastic experience! I still use it for my hair, but I finished the one to cook! :( Delicious!
Absolutely unique experience indeed! Hahaha...Infact for me also is near to finish...and don't know when i'll be able to travel there again! Got some brand here...but far from the real stuff!
Enjoy the days as much as you can! You’re lucky to be there now, in this bad time ...I don't know when I’ll be able to go back too :((( I looked for argan oil here, but in Italy it’s too expensive and its taste is very different!