World-famous for its uses as both a cosmetic and culinary product, Argan oil is produced from the kernels of the Argan tree (Argania spinosa) endemic to Morocco, growing only in one region of Morocco, the southwest area around Essaouira and Agadir. The process to extract the oil (also called “liquid gold”) is still mainly done by a number of women's co-operatives, therefore providing employment to the women of the area as well as a degree of autonomy in a traditionally male-dominated society. The process to produce the oil is simple and still mainly done by hand. The fruit is picked from the trees and dried in the open air. The fleshy pulp is removed and the Argan nut cracked open to expose the kernel, which is gently roasted when intended for culinary Argan oil. For cosmetic oil the kernels remain unroasted. These are then pressed to expel the unfiltered Argan oil into vessels. After having rested for about two weeks and any left-over solids have sunk to the bottom, the clear top oil level is further filtered till pure.
Culinary Argan oil has many uses, including a bread dip for the traditional Moroccan khobz, drizzled on couscous, or a great dressing for salads. The slightly nutty, creamy flavour and scent compliments many dishes well. Studies into the use of culinary Argan Oil in the Moroccan diet confirmed benefits for cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and arthritis.
Cosmetic Argan oil is very versatile and used in its pure form performs a number of cosmetic functions. The Argan oil cosmetic range not only includes a facial range, but also a hair care range, pure soaps and the famous Beldi black soap for hammam scrubbing. Benefits include hair conditioning and styling, anti-aging, dry skin conditions, treatment for acne, protection and healing of cracked skin, stretch marks due to pregnancy, foot, hand and nail treatment, lip moisturiser…and all from the same bottle of oil.
