Argan oil - Import export

also known as argan seed oil, is the oil of the argan tree. The tree or bush belongs to the sapodilla family and grows exclusively in Morocco. it grows 7 - 10 meters high and reaches an average age of 125 - 150 years. As of the 5th year it bears fruits. 1990 the growing region in Morocco is listed by UNESO as a to be protected biosphere . The fruits are round to oval and have a green, fleshy appearance, like olives. The fruits contain 1 - 3 oval, smooth, brown, up to 2 cm long kernels with its seeds inside. For oil extraction the fallen fruits get selected. This takes place from june to september. There is no other way to harvest, as the branches of the tree are easily broken if shook. The thornes make picking the fruits by hand impossible. The harvested fruits' kernels have to be removed and split to get to its seeds. The locals grind the seeds to a brown pulp and stir it with water. By kneading the oil gets seperated from the water. The resulting press cake is used as animal feed.