The Journey of Pure Argan Oil From Morocco to the UK and Why It Matters

The Journey of Pure Argan Oil From Morocco to the UK and Why It Matters

Argan oil is extracted from the seeds of the argan tree (Sideroxylon spinosum, formerly Argania spinosa), a tree that is native to Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. This oil, nicknamed “liquid gold”, has several health properties, impacting skin, hair, wound healing, and blood pressure and cholesterol.

While the West may have discovered the benefits of Moroccan argan oil only recently, this tree nut oil has been used for centuries in the Middle East and Africa. The production of argan oil is not without its share of problems. The trees are a favorite of local goats which can strip a tree bare of its leaves and fruits. The branches of the tree are also used for firewood by the locals. So while the argan tree lives to be 200 years old it faces its own share of challenges to survive. 

If you’re wondering how your favorite bottle of pure argan oil made the journey from the hills of Morocco to your bathroom cabinet, here’s a brief look into the journey of procuring organic argan oil for you. 

The Amazigh Woman: Makers Of Pure Argan Oil

The Amazigh women of Morocco are the traditional makers of pure argan oil. The process typically takes two to three days. Several woman-run cooperatives produce this oil for the international market. First, the fruit of the argan tree has to be harvested, then the pulp has to be removed from the fruit. Inside are the hard argan nuts which have to be cracked open to remove two or three seeds inside. 

Depending on the method of processing, argan oil is of two types: food grade and cosmetic grade. Cosmetic-grade argan oil is prepared from unroasted kernels while food-grade argan oil is produced from roasted argan kernels. Nowadays the process of argan oil production is mechanized which makes production faster and easier. 

While the womenfolk are the primary makers of the Moroccan argan oil it is the men who control the selling. Being involved in the production of argan oil has given local women an improved standing in society but has also created household conflicts in a deeply traditional society. 

Challenges Facing The Production of Moroccan Argan Oil

There has been a noticeable decrease in the spread of the argan tree. Earlier argan trees covered around 1.5 million hectares but as of 2000, they cover only 800,000 hectares. This decline due to extreme drought and human intervention has led UNESCO to declare the Moroccan argan forest a biosphere reserve. 

Since the late 90s, efforts have been made to protect and preserve these ancient trees. In 2021 The UN named May 10 as the International Day of the Argan Tree. 

The argan tree helps to check the growth of the desert, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining underground water resources. However, the demand for pure argan oil has spurred aggressive harvesting which is not sustainable or good for the trees. 

Working at the cooperatives has allowed women to work and earn their livelihood encouraging them to interact with each other and form stronger social bonds. However, larger cooperatives disrupt this system by contracting women who work from home to do the work, potentially robbing them of the opportunity to participate in social life. 

Finally, the biggest challenge to argan oil production is the goat. Goats enjoy the argan fruit and strip the tree of its leaves. They are also the cause of deforestation. 

In 2022, Morocco's argan industry generated over $100 million in revenue, with exports valued at $38 million. The sector includes more than 850 women’s cooperatives and 500 private companies, mainly focused on processing, adding value to, and marketing argan products.

How Moroccan Argan Oil Is Produced 

The production of argan oil is a multi-step process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

  • Fruit Picking (May to August)
  • Picking of the fruit begins in the argan forest from May to August. The fruits are then sun-dried for a few weeks. Research suggests that a two-week drying period prepares the fruits for high-quality oil extraction.

  • Fruit Peeling
  • Once dried, the peel is manually removed from the fruits, revealing the “argan nuts” inside. This process is undertaken by women who sit together around the pile of fruit and laboriously do this work. 

  • Nut Cracking
  • These nuts are then cracked open, and the kernels are selected and collected for the next steps.

  • Kernel Roasting
  • The kernels are gently roasted on clay plates for several minutes, a process that requires careful attention to color and odor to prevent a burnt taste. On average, it takes around 30–40 minutes to roast 1 kg of kernels. Roasting is essential for developing the oil’s final taste and aroma.

  • Kernel Grinding
  • Roasted kernels are then crushed using a millstone. This traditional tool has two parts: a bedstone and a rotating cone through which the kernels are introduced. Grinding turns the kernels into an oily dough.

  • Malaxing
  • The oily dough is then hand-mixed (malaxed) for several minutes, with small amounts of water added to help form an emulsion. As the dough solidifies, argan oil is released and then decanted.

  • Oil Extraction
  • The final stage involves extracting the oil from the emulsion. Producing 1 litre of oil from 50 kg of argan fruits can take around 24 hours of labour. Traditionally, this labour-intensive process leaves a solid residue, which can still contain up to 25% of oil.

    Wrapping Up 

    Moroccan argan oil is a prized product in the West today and is used extensively in hair and skin care products. Its moisturizing properties make it a valuable addition to several beauty products. However, using pure argan oil by itself is also beneficial. 

    Check out our organic argan oil product which is created by women's cooperatives in Morocco. 

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