Argan Oil

Argan oil

Argan oil is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree, which is indigenous to Morocco and southwestern Algeria. In Morocco, argan oil is used to dip bread at breakfast or to drizzle on couscous or pasta. It is also used for cosmetic purposes.

Sideroxylon spinosum

Sideroxylon spinosum, known as argan, synonym Argania spinosa, is a species of flowering plant. It is a tree native to the calcareous semi-desert Sous, Chiadma and Haha regions of Morocco, as well as some parts of Tindouf Province in southwestern Algeria, and also to Mauritania and Western Sahara. Argan trees grow to 8–10 m (26–33 ft) high and live up to approximately 200 years. They are thorny, with gnarled trunks and wide spreading crown. The crown has a circumference of up to 70 m (230 ft) and the branches may lean towards the ground.

Oil

Oil is a liquid with varying degrees of viscosity depending on temperature. Oil is any nonpolar chemical substance that is composed primarily of hydrocarbons and is hydrophobic and lipophilic. Oils are usually flammable and surface active. Most oils are unsaturated lipids that are liquid at room temperature.

argan

Noun

1. A tree of species Sideroxylon spinosum (formerly Argania spinosa), of southwestern Morocco, particularly prized for its oil.
2. Fruit of this tree.

oil

Noun

1. Liquid fat.
2. Petroleum-based liquid used as fuel or lubricant.

Verb

1. To lubricate with oil.
2. To grease with oil for cooking.