Argan oilis aplant oilproduced from the kernels of theargantree (Argania spinosaL.) that isendemictoMorocco. In Morocco, argan oil is used to dip bread in at breakfast or to drizzle oncouscousor pasta. World-wide, it is gaining a reputation both as an ingredient in high-end, personal-care products and as a heart-healthy gourmet product.[1]Contents[hide] 1Extraction 2Properties and uses 2.1Culinary uses 2.2Cosmetic uses 3Impacts 3.1Environmental impacts 3.2Social impacts 4References 5External linksExtraction[edit]

The production of argan oil by traditional methodsThe fruit of the argan tree is small, and are round, oval or conical. A thick peel covers the fleshy pulp. The pulp surrounds a hard-shelled nut that represents approximately 25% of the weight of the fresh fruit.The nut contains one to three argan oil-rich kernels. Extraction yields from 30% to 50% of the oil in the kernels, depending on the extraction method.[2]Extraction is key to the production process. To extract the kernels, workers first dry argan fruit in the open air and then remove the fleshy pulp. Some producers remove the flesh mechanically without drying the fruit. Moroccans usually use the flesh as animal feed.The next stage involves cracking the argan nut to obtain the argan kernels. Attempts to mechanize this process have been unsuccessful, so workers still do it by handmaking it a time-consuming, labour-intensive process.Berberwomen often engage in this arduous task.Workers gently roast kernels they will use to make culinary argan oil. After the argan kernels cool, workers grind and press them. The brown-colored mash expels pure, unfiltered argan oil. Finally, they decant unfiltered argan oil into vessels. The remaining press cake is protein-rich and frequently used as cattle feed.[2]Cosmetic argan oil is produced almost identically, though the argan kernels are not roasted to avoid an excessively nutty scent.The decanted argan oil is left to rest for approximately two weeks so that solids suspended in the argan oil settle to the bottom, creating a natural sediment. The clearer argan oil is further filtered, depending on the required clarity and purity. Pure argan oil may contain some sediment. This is a natural part of the production process and does not affect quality.Properties and uses[edit]Fatty acidPercentage

Oleic42.8%

Linoleic36.8%

Palmitic12.0%

Stearic6.0%

Linolenic