ARGAN OIL PRODUCTION - Gie Targanine

Complex process

From harvesting to bottling, the production of argan oil is a complex process, consisting of numerous steps

In this section, we want to explain the complexity of manual work to obtain arganoil. From picking to bottling, we control all stages of production, these stepsrequire know-how. To spare women the most painful steps, investments weremade to acquire machines to extract argan oil.

The difference between cosmetic argan oil and argan oil food is the “roasting”For the argan oil food arganati: the fines must be slightly golden and not roasted,otherwise the anti-oxidant properties will disappear and the oil. Moreover, thehazelnut aroma will be more pronounced and less pleasant in the mouth. It is thisroasting that will give it a slightly darker color. The argan oil will be mainly usedin anti-oxidant diets, to season salads and dishes based on semolina, fish, pastaand rice, etc…

For the cosmetic argan oil (which we market under the brand ARGANIUM):the fines will be crushed: then cold pressed, with no roasting, in order to obtain acleared oil. Finally, an oil of a golden yellow color will be made, it won’t have astrong smell, but a slight almond scent that will disappear very quickly in contactwith air and skin. The cosmetic argan oil can be stored for up to 3 years.

Production steps

In line with global standards, each step is thoroughly precise and essential in the production of a natural argan oil.

CHOICE OF THE ARGAN GROVES REGION

On the prefectures and provinces of Agadir-Ida Outanane, Taroudant, Tiznit,Tafraout and Essaouira and its surroundings, the argan trees are generous. Theideal is to choose a region where the argan trees live naturally and wildly, inharmony with their environment. As well as regions where there is no pesticide orchemical fertilizer. The agricultural regions are sought for the quality of the arganfruit where the argan trees grow on hills and mountains.

HARVESTING THE ARGAN FRUIT

When the fruits reach maturity, they are harvested in the argan groves by thevillage population. The fruits are then dried in the sun to facilitate the next stageof artisanal production.

PULPING

The pulping consists of separating the dry pulp “Tafiyicht” of the argan nut”Aqua”. When the pulp is completely removed, it results in a nut “Aqua” whichhas a solid structure.

CRUSHING PROCESS

The result; after removing the pulp, is a solidly structured ‘aqua’ nut containingtwo to three kernels. The crushing is done between two stones and requiresprecision to give the kernels a thick seed shape with a bitter taste.

GRINDING

Using an automatic extraction machine, the kernels are poured into a funnel tobe separated into gangue and argan oil. The oil is then stored and ready for thenext step.

DECANTING

After its extraction, argan oil contains particles in suspension. Requiring a restperiod of 7 days to make the oil consistent, clear, transparent andmeeting European standards.

FILTERING

The argan oil is then filtered to obtain an oil 100% pure and natural, withoutadditives. Thereafter, the oil is packaged in stainless steel containers, to ensureproper conservation.

BOTTLING

Thereafter, the argan oil will be bottled in a more or less automated way ispackaged in bottles depending on the customer, and respecting the globalstandards of hygiene in force.