Currently, Argan oil is mainly produced by women’s cooperatives in Morocco using a semi-industrial mechanical extraction process. This allows the production of high-quality argan oil. Depending on the method used to prepare argan kernels, two types of argan oil can be obtained: food or cosmetic grade.
What is argan oil?
Argan oil is a non-refined vegetable oil, of the more well‐known “virgin oil” type, is produced from the argan tree [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels], a species endemic to Southwestern Morocco. The argan tree is deemed to be an important forest species from both social and economic standpoints.
How is argan oil extracted?
If the oil is intended for cooking, the kernels are roasted, ground into a paste, and then manually kneaded or placed in an oil press to extract the oil. Argan oil is considered a cold-pressed oil as no heat is used during the actual extraction. The cake, or leftover residue, is used as animal feed.
What are the different types of argan oil?
Depending on the method used to prepare argan kernels, two types of argan oil can be obtained: food or cosmetic grade. Cosmetic argan oil is prepared from unroasted kernels, whereas food argan oil is achieved by cold pressing kernels roasted for a few minutes.