Production of Argan Oil and the Tree Goats in Morocco

Argan oil is produced from the nuts from the Argan Tree. They claim it as even better than the virgin olive oil in reducing cholesterol and benefit the heart, gallbladder and liver.

It is amazing what you see on TV these days. I was attracted by the picture of goats walking around in the top of a tree. That’s right the goats actually walk around the treetops eating the fruit. It is hard to believe because they can move so well being a hoof footed animal.

It was incredible to watch them snatch at the fruit and eat it. The stones of the fruit are very hard. Because of this the actual nut passes right through the goat and of course out the other end whole.

They use the cracked shells to burn on their fires and feed the fruit to the goats. The remains of the seeds after the oil is removed is then fed to the cattle.

This oil is best used on salads and not used in cooking as heat can destroy the health benefits. This oil has also won a taste award.

The local women then collect these nuts, and spend hours of labor as they smash the nut open to get the kernel. This is then put under a grinding stone and crushed until the mixture slowly drips out into another bowl. This is then treated until the oil is separated. This becomes the extra virgin oil and they believe it to benefit to their health.

These women spend many long hours doing this. In fact, they say that it will take one woman a couple of days to collect enough seeds to produce one litre of oil. They have been producing this for centuries and t is 80% unsaturated and rich in omega. Therefore, it is very useful in reducing many health conditions.

The actual argan tree is covered with many thorns, so the locals wait until the fruit either falls or the goats do their work. None of the fruit is wasted, the women peel the fruit off the nuts and then crack each nut with heavy stones and used the almond seeds to make the oil.

This oil is highly sought after because of it high concentration of lineoic, oleic and essential fatty acids. As stated before It is grown in specific areas therefore considered one of the rarest of oils.

It has regenerative and restoring capabilities which makes it food for use on the hair and skin and nails as nourishes them too.