Argan oil

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Argan oil is a plant oil pressed from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), native to Morocco and parts of southwestern Algeria. It is used in the kitchen for dipping bread, drizzling on couscous or pasta, and as a salad oil, as well as in cosmetics such as creams, lip glosses, shampoos, and soaps.

The oil is mainly triglycerides and contains vitamin E (tocopherols), phenols, carotenes, and squalene. Its density is about 0.91 g/mL at 20°C, and it has trace phenols like caffeic acid and catechins. Depending on how it is extracted, argan oil can be more or less resistant to oxidation than olive oil. The kernels hold 30–50% oil, and it takes about 40 kilograms of dried fruit to produce 1 liter of oil.

Extraction involves drying the fruit, removing the pulp, cracking the kernels, roasting (for culinary oil), grinding, and pressing. The press cake is often used as cattle feed. Traditionally, Berber women work in cooperatives to produce the oil, a labor-intensive process. Modern mechanical extraction has lowered costs but can impact small producers. In some areas, goats eat the fruits and the kernels are recovered from goat droppings, a method that reduces labor but can affect taste.

To combat adulteration, Morocco began testing argan shipments for purity around 2012. Global demand rose after the early 2000s, and by 2022 production was about 19,600 US tons (roughly 17,800 tonnes) with a value near $1.8 billion. The producing area has expanded from Essaouira toward Agadir and further north.

The argan industry supports about 2.2 million people in the Arganeraie region and is largely run by women’s cooperatives, such as UCFA, with support from the government and international partners. However, many harvesters are paid low wages, prompting calls for higher pay and better working conditions.

Environmentally, the argan tree helps prevent desertification. Its deep roots stabilize soil, provide shade, and offer fodder, while reforestation and sustainable management projects, like RARBA, help protect the landscape and local livelihoods.