Argan Oil history and modern day uses
Argan oil is considered to be one of the rarest oils extracted in human history. Because of its rarity, the Argan oil is prized oil by Moroccans and oil enthusiasts alike. It is also a precious oil that has many health benefits. In order to understand the essence of the Argan oil to life, you must first know the history and uses of this wonder oil.
The History of the Argan Oil
The Argan tree is one of the oldest existing trees that still yields up to this day. Over 65 million years ago, the first Argan tree grew and from it, grew the Argan fruit. Because of its resistance to extreme climates, the Argan tree stood strong through the tests of time. It can live up to 200 years and can still yield fruit even at a very old age. It is a tree that is resilient and amazingly, carries some of the most precious oil known to man. Up to this day, people are still amazed by how the Argan fruit can yield such precious oil.
In the 1700s, history dates the first time that the argan oil was mentioned in western history. Before the 1700s, only the Moroccans knew what the argan tree is and what benefits it may bring to life. After the 1700s, the use and the process through which the Argan oil was extracted have been known to man. However, up to this day, there is no known way to cultivate the Argan tree outside of Morocco. The country provides the supply of Argan oil throughout the world and continues to treasure their precious oil by using a traditional extraction process.
For hundreds of years, the cold press method of extracting the argan oil has not changed a bit. They start of by feeding goats the Argan fruit. The goats will excrete the pulp away from the pit, which has the precious oil inside. After washing the pit, the pit is then pounded to reveal little seeds from where the Argan oil is extracted from. After a gentle roast, the seeds are then ground to extract the precious oil. Because of this painstaking process, the price of the Argan oil can be expensive, not to mention the fact that every tree cannot yield a lot of oil every harvest season.
The Uses of the Argan Oil
There are a number of uses found for the precious Argan oil. Because it is an edible oil, people can use the oil for cooking and as an oil for dressings and the like. It is also a favorite ingredient to be used in local Moroccan delicacies.
Aside from these uses for cooking, the Argan oil can also be used for cosmetic purposes since they are normally mixed with other anti-aging and anti-blemish products. Because of its high unsaturated fat content, the oil can be used in order to make people look more youthful and rejuvenated. Truly, there is no limit to the possibilities offered by Argan oil.