Argan

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan fruit. The argan tree belongs to the Sapotaceae family. The tree is now named Sideroxylon spinosum, and Argania spinosa is a synonym. The tree is native to the calcareous semi-desert Sous, Chiadma and Haha regions of Morocco and to some parts of Tindouf Province in southwestern Algeria. Argan trees grow to 8-10 m high and live up to approximately 200 years. They are thorny, with gnarled trunks and wide spreading crown. The fruit has a thick, bitter peel surrounding a sweet-smelling but unpleasantly flavoured layer of pulpy pericarp. The very hard nut contains one (occasionally two or three) small, oil-rich seeds. Argan is also cultivated in the Arabah and Negev regions of Israel.

Ninety-nine percent of argan oil consists of triglycerides and related derivatives. Its main fatty acids are oleic acid (43-49%) and linoleic acid (29-36%), with trace amounts of linolenic acid. The saturated acids are stearic (4-7%) and palmitic (11-15%). Argan oil is rich in tocopherol in the amount of 600-700 mg/kg. Argan oil contains 69% γ-tocopherol. The only hydrocarbon present in argan oil is squalene, and its content is approximately 0.3%. Phenol derivatives present in argan oil include ferulic, caffeic, syringic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and vanillic acids; tyrosol; oleuropein; epicatechin; catechin; and catechol. Depending on the extraction method, argan oil may be more resistant to oxidation than olive oil. The chemical composition differs with the geographical origin of the seeds and with the methods of producing the oil. In culinary argan oil, roasting promotes Maillard-derived volatile compounds, including pyrazines, furans, aldehydes, ketones, and sulfur-containing compounds.

In Morocco, argan oil is used to dip bread at breakfast or to drizzle on couscous or pasta. Amlu, a thick brown paste with a consistency similar to peanut butter, is used locally as a bread dip. It is produced by grinding roasted almonds and argan oil together using stones, and then mixing the paste with honey. Since the early 2000s argan oil has been increasingly used in cosmetics and hair care preparations. As of 2020, the main cosmetics products containing argan oil are face creams, lip glosses, shampoos, moisturizers, and soaps. In cosmetics its INCI name is Argania spinosa kernel oil. It is easily absorbed, protects the epidermis from drying out, and moisturizes and smooths the skin.

The tree's roots grow deep into the ground in search of water, which helps bind soil and prevents erosion. The tree growth extends from sea level up to 1300-1500 m. Argan is a multi-purpose tree and each part of it is usable as a food or economic resource. It currently provides a significant source of food and income for around three million people.

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