Argan Oil

What Is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is an oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), native to Morocco. The culinary version of argan oil is pressed after the kernels have been roasted, giving it a pronounced, nutty, toasted aroma.

Cosmetic argan oil, used for skin and hair care, is processed from unroasted kernels and is not for food use. These are two different products; only oil sold as “culinary/roasted” is used in cooking.

Nutritional Values of Argan Oil

Like all liquid oils, argan oil is almost entirely fat and provides roughly 900 kcal of energy per 100 g; it is valued for its unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Since daily use is in very small amounts, its contribution to a meal is assessed accordingly.

How Should Argan Oil Be Used?

Argan oil should be used sparingly, as it is a calorie-dense oil. Since its aroma is lost with heat, it is usually drizzled raw after cooking; it is not suitable for frying.

This information is general; argan oil is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Argan Oil?

Good culinary argan oil is labelled “culinary/roasted,” clear, smells nutty, and is stored in a dark bottle. Odourless, rancid, or “cosmetic”-labelled products are not used in cooking.

• The label should say “culinary/roasted”
• The smell should be nutty-toasted
• Rancid or cosmetic-labelled products should not be chosen

How to Store Argan Oil?

Argan oil is stored in a tightly sealed, dark bottle in a cool, dark place. Since light and heat make the oil turn rancid, it should be kept away from hot spots like near the stove; once opened it should be used within a reasonable time.

Using Argan Oil in the Kitchen

Culinary argan oil is used most in salads, roasted vegetables, soups, and bread dipping; also in Morocco's honey-almond spread “amlou.” Because of its intense aroma it is drizzled raw, in small amounts.

What Is Amlou?

Amlou is a spreadable Moroccan paste made by grinding roasted almonds, honey, and culinary argan oil together. It is eaten with bread at breakfast and is one of argan oil's best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are culinary and cosmetic argan oil the same?

No; the culinary one is made from roasted kernels and is a food, while the cosmetic one is processed unroasted and is for skin-hair care. Only the culinary one is used in cooking.

Can argan oil be used for frying?

No; heat both destroys its valuable aroma and spoils the oil. Argan oil is used raw, drizzled at the end of cooking.

What does argan oil taste like?

It has a pronounced nutty, toasted, mildly sweet taste; this intense aroma makes it noticeable even in small amounts.