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Argan oil is obtained by pressing the kernels of the fruit of the argan tree. The argan tree is a tree in the Sapotaceae family, mainly grown in Morocco. It is a very tough tree thanks to its roots that draw water from more than 30 metres underground.
Is argan oil made from goat poop?
Argan nuts pass through the digestive system of a tree goat whole. Once they are excreted, people gather them from the goat’s droppings and crack them open to expose the seeds inside. Argan nuts contain anywhere from one to three oil-rich kernels.
Why is argan tree only in Morocco?
Despite a steadily growing global market for argan products—for luxury cosmetics and culinary use—argan trees grow only in Morocco. They’re finicky, and the process of extracting their oil is complicated and requires intensive manual labor.
Where does argan oil originate from?
The plant oil is produced from the kernels found inside the argan nut, which is found inside the fruit of the argan tree, endemic to Morocco.
Where does argan grow?
Argan trees are endemic to a semi-desert, low-rainfall, forested region in southwestern Morocco which is bordered on the east by the Sahara Desert and on the north by the Atlas Mountains.
Can argan trees grow in California?
The trees can live from 150 to 200 years. After living in Morocco for thirty years, the Argan Tree farm owners decided to bring there knowledge for growing Argan trees in south of California where the weather is mostly the same as in Souss valley near Agadir.
Can you eat argan?
Argan oil can be eaten or used topically, so it’s important to make sure you’re using the right kind. This oil is guaranteed to be safe to eat, unlike those that are supposed to be used on hair or skin. In Morocco, argan oil is used as a dipping oil or drizzled over other foods.
Is argan related to Olive?
It comes from a shrubby, thorny evergreen tree (Argania spinosa) that grows in the south-western part of Morocco between Essaouira and Agadir. It is related to the olive tree. The tree is propagated by seed and can live 150 to 200 years.
Which countries have argan trees?
The argan tree (Argania spinosa) is a native species of the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, in the southwest of the country, which grows in arid and semiarid areas. It’s the defining species of a woodland ecosystem, also known as Arganeraie, which is rich in endemic flora.
Is there argan in Algeria?
The Argan tree (Argania Spinosa (L.) Skeels) (Sapotaceae), is an endemic species of Morocco and Algeria. This species has biological and ecological interest due to its remarkable adaptation to severe climatic conditions. Argan tree is a source of forage for livestock, wood, fruits and fuel in rural population.
Is argan oil made from nuts?
Argan oil is derived from the nut of the argan tree and has rarely been reported to cause allergic reactions. While it is not a common food in the U.S., you will often find it in Morocco.
What color is pure argan oil?
Colour and Consistency: True organic Argan oil should be clear, although slightly light dullish yellow in colour. Anything too golden may show signs of tampering, that the Argan oil has been mixed with other oil varieties to keep costs low.
Is argan oil really good?
Additionally, argan oil is a rich source of vitamin E, which is required for healthy skin, hair and eyes. This vitamin also has powerful antioxidant properties ( 1 ). Argan oil provides a good source of linoleic and oleic fatty acids, two fats known to support good health. It also boasts high levels of vitamin E.
Is argan a seed or nut?
Argan oil is derived from the nuts of Argania spinosa, a native desert tree in Morocco. In other words, the fruit of the Argania spinosa tree often called “argan nuts” are tree nuts.
Does argan only grow in Morocco?
A treasure of Morocco, the argan tree not only provides one of the country’s most valuable exports, argan oil, but is also endemic to the region and only grows naturally in and around Morocco!May 10, 2021.
Are argan trees rare?
Natural History: Argania spinosa is a very rare and little known tree with roots that first originated in Southwest Morocco (1). There are now about 20 million trees in southwestern Morocco, and the tree has continued to cultivate in Libya, Israel, and Spain (1).
Can argan trees grow in America?
The wood is hard, prized locally, and much used for fuel. Excessive exploitation of the tree has stimulated local moves toward conservation and cultivation. Argan seedlings are being grown experimentally in Florida (USA) and in Haiti, with a view to trial in semi-arid regions of near-mediterranean climate.
Why do goats climb argan trees?
In south-western Morocco, acrobatic goats climb argan trees to eat their fruit and leaves. Cracking these nuts open is the first step in making argan oil, a valuable export to richer countries where it is used in beauty products and foods. People may also harvest the fruits directly, but the goats save them a step.
Can argan tree be grown in India?
Argan tree grows well in high heat, and even in dry & poor soil. At present, there is company who is involved in harvesting argan tree plantation in india. 100% argan sees is being imported to india from Morocco.Is argan oil good for hair growth?Jan 14, 2021.