Argan is harvested in summer (June-August). At this time, the air temperature in these places reaches its annual peak. The fruits, which have the shape and appearance of a nut, are laid out in the open and dried thoroughly for several weeks. During this time, the peel of the fruit, which is initially green and rather soft, dries up, making it much easier to remove. A sign that argan is ready to be cleansed is a change in color from green to brown.
Argan fruit processing is a very laborious process. To squeeze out just one liter of argan oil, about 7 trees will have to be harvested. Approximate calculation: out of 100 kg of only plucked fruits, 60 kg remain after drying. From these dry nuts, it will turn out to get 30 kg of seeds, and this, in turn, only 3 kg of seeds, from which only a liter of oil is released. In addition, argan fruits are small in size and irregular in shape. In order not to damage the bones, and, consequently, valuable seeds, such a product is cleaned exclusively with hands and one at a time with utmost care.
Argan oil is divided into two types: cosmetic and food.
Considering that argan oil is a biologically pure product, it has no toxicity. It can be used even in its pure form. A small addition of the appropriate essential oils (no more than 1%) will help to enhance this effect. Even the most expensive cosmetic brands cannot compete with this oil in terms of performance. North African women call it “the key of beauty”. It is difficult to come up with a more precise name. In addition to purely cosmetic properties (smoothing wrinkles, nourishing, moisturizing the skin, maintaining elasticity and healthy color), argan oil can fight some skin diseases. Moreover, it is much more effective, does not cause any side effects.
Such amazing properties are dictated by the chemical composition. It contains 6% of polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-80 alone. Among them are oligopinolic acids. In addition, argan oil contains vitamins A, E, F, the most powerful natural antioxidants (tocopherols, polyphenols), sterols (substances that are no longer included in any other oil known in the world).
Due to the fact that the seed treatment is carried out without the addition of water and any chemical additives, argan oil remains of exceptional quality. In cosmetology, this product is produced only by cold pressing, which allows it to retain all its nutritional value for a fairly long period of time – from a year to one and a half years.
Edible oil can be obtained from both raw and roasted seeds. In the first case, it will have a light yellow color (like straw), in the second – brown. It is a unique food product because it contains a huge amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and regenerating substances. Argan oil is excellent in regulating cholesterol levels in the body. It is very useful to eat it for cores.
