Moroccan Argan Oil, Organic Anti Aging Skin Care
Huile d’Argan for Antioxidant Medicinal Use and Healthy Eating
Oct 26, 2009
Life can be hard for Berber families and their livestock in the semi-desert of southwest Morocco, which borders the Sahara desert. One useful way for the women to increase their income has been to market their traditional production of a rare oil from the argan tree (aka the Moroccan ironwood or argana tree) to the outside world, particularly since it has now been recognized as rich in natural anti aging and antioxidant ingredients.
The argan tree, Argania spinosa, bears an olive-like fruit from which argan oil or huile d’argan has been produced for many centuries, although rarely in sufficient quantities to be sold beyond local markets such as Marrakesh or Essaouira. So localised and useful is the argan tree that in 1991 the main area where it grows was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO (Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve).
How Argania Spinosa Helps Berber Cultural and Economic Survival in Southern Morocco
Argan seeds are a valuable source of cooking, cosmetic and medicinal oils in areas where olive trees won’t grow and 70% of Morocco’s population still rely on traditional medicines. The argan tree’s drought-resistant tiny evergreen leaves and spines and 20-metre-long roots enable it to grow to 8-10 metres high without irrigation. During a lifespan of up to 200 years, it requires little attention while providing shade and forage for livestock.
Additional benefits come from its long roots and evergreen leaf cover which help prevent soil erosion caused by desert winds and rain storms, and slow down encroaching desertification. The strong, hard wood is useful for tools, furniture and fuel, and the residue from processing the seeds is fed to goats or dried and used for fire-lighting.
Argan Oil Organic Processing by Berber Women
Traditionally the fruit was left on the tree for up to a year to dry out, during which time goats, who learnt to climb trees in this area, would eat them. The undigested seeds were collected from their manure, to be processed for oil. This practice has been halted, since the oil would not be acceptable to vegans, so the processing now runs as follows:
- Once the dried-out, bitter outer pith is removed by hand and the hard kernels are cracked to release (typically) two black seeds.
- The seeds are lightly roasted and ground with a little water in a stone rotary quern to produce a dark paste from which a golden oil can be expressed.
- This first cold pressing yields the best quality oil used in high-grade natural organic skin products which is also suitable for vegans.
- Heating and further pressings produce a delicious culinary oil which tastes somewhere between sesame and hazelnut oil.
- No chemicals are used, either for growing the trees or during oil production.
The quality is strictly controlled by government sponsored women’s co-operatives. Anyone on the road from Marrakesh to Essaouira should look out for women’s co-operatives, such as the Margana Co-operative. Call in for a warm welcome to see the women demonstrating their work.
Anti aging and Anti Oxidant Properties of Moroccan Argan Oil for Cosmetic Use
Argan oil is the only natural product that combines many of the benefits of olive, grape seed, avocado and almond oils. It can be used as it is on skin (good for stretch marks and scars), hair, nails and for massage. A growing range of creams, shampoos and anti wrinkle or anti aging serums is available from the women’s co-operatives, and some is repackaged and blended by reputable companies abroad.
- Low acidity, high stability, long-lasting, light and easily absorbed by the skin.
- Rich in tocopherals, the best known of which is vitamin E (alpha-tocopheral).
- Next to carotene, tocopherals are the most effective anti oxidants in human cells and can counteract cell destruction by free radicals.
- Argan oil is 80% unsaturated and includes oleic and linoleic acids with moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Argan Oil Culinary Uses for Delicious Healthy Eating
Chefs and gourmets appreciate its high percentage of unsaturated fats which help to keep down cholesterol levels, as well as its subtle nutty flavour.
- Use raw for salad dressings, on bread, mixed with lemon juice and honey.
- For cooking, add at the end because high heat destroys its anti oxidant properties and unique taste.
Natural organic argan oil lasts for years. Stocking up on this rare product for personal cosmetic or culinary use or as a unique present is an excellent way of not only supporting local communities, but the fragile semi-desert ecosystem on which they depend. It can also be ordered on line as huile d'argan or argan oil.
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