Argan oil, derived from argan nuts, is a precious commodity and a cash crop in Morocco.
Argan oil is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the Argan tree that is endemic to Morocco. In Morocco, argan oil is used as a foodstuff, and for cosmetic purposes as well.
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. The next stage involves cracking the argan nut to obtain the argan kernels. Workers still do it by hand, making it a time-consuming, labor-intensive process. 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.
Cosmetic argan oil is produced almost identically, but the argan kernels are not roasted to avoid an excessively nutty scent.
Now, The oil produced by local indigenous women. Argan oil has been used for centuries by locals for medicinal and culinary purposes. However, recently it’s gathered a cult-like following in the global cosmetic market. Full of antioxidants and vitamin E, the oil has been praised as having conditioning and anti-aging properties that benefit both hair and skin.