When the Label Says ‘Argan Oil,’ But It Really Isn’t Real.

This story was originally published on oilsbymaroc.com

Do you remember the times you have paid extra for the product labeled ‘Organic,’ totally believing that the ‘extra’ is extra healthy for you and your family? Let’s be honest. Six out of ten times, you are not even sure if the money spent is worth the product or if the product bought is really organic. The demand for organic is on the boom, and it’s good news for the environment. But only when the product is organic.

It’s the same case with culinary Argan Oil. The liquid gold is gaining appreciation and popularity because of its undisputed health benefits. But from where do you source the real argan oil? - this question is still unanswered. There are a lot of labels that sell adulterated argan oil, claiming it to be the purest. Most of these oils are either over-processed, diluted, or completely fake. The best thing you can do to save yourself from paying your hard-earned money for a counterfeit product.

Look behind the bottle.

When buying any culinary oil, make sure that you look at the label that states the nutrition facts. 100 g of pure argan oil contains 45.8% of monounsaturated fat, 35% of polyunsaturated fat, and 19.2% of saturated fat. It does not contain any trans fat or cholesterol. A higher dosage of monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are “good fats” that make argan one of the healthiest culinary oils.

Every tablespoon gives you a taste of time, people, and place.

The most sought after argan oil comes only and only from Morocco, handmade from the kernels of Argania Spinosa. Every tablespoon is sure to transport you to Morrocan houses’ courtyards smelling roasted nuts while Berber women make the oil. The best way to know the authenticity of the oil is this smell. Natural argan oil has a robust nutty aroma. If your oil smells nothing, it has gone through a deodorization process, removing some nutrients. The strength of the smell might differ from batch to batch.

Handmade Is Expensive.

The purest culinary argan oil is handmade with kernels. Oil is extracted in a six-step fruit collection process; sun-drying, dehulling, nut breaking (or kernel collection), kernel roasting, and cold-pressing. All six steps involved in the making are time-consuming and done manually. The premium-grade is traditionally hand-crafted seed-oil that’s left alone in its most natural state. Argan oil can cost as much as $300 per liter, making it the world's most expensive edible oil. One liter of argan oil needs 20 kgs of argan nuts. Check out Business Insider’s video on the making of argan oil and it’s pricing.

Liquid Gold. No Exaggeration Here!

Culinary Argan oil is golden in color. It’s cloudy with sediments at the bottom of the bottle. Argan oil producers know that the product’s quality and freshness can be kept intact by storing the oil in glass bottles, usually dark, so light doesn’t pass through. To ensure transparency, we use a clear glass bottle with a paper case and minimal branding. Our light glass bottles show color and sedimentation, which provide the quality of the oil. The paper case restricts direct sunlight from passing through. OBM bottles are manufactured by Bormioli Rocco to withstand many uses and are a great, earth-friendly alternative to plastic.

A Seal Of Quality.

Our promise to you is the finest and freshest quality of Argan Oil, and every bottle reflects this. In the United States, pure argan oil is USDA and ECOCERT certified, which assures that you are getting the right and quality product. We are a small family business, and quality our number one priority. Rest assured that your oil hasn’t been sitting on a shelf, losing its texture and flavors. Every time you taste the oil, you could trace the nutty flavor back to our Amazigh family in Morocco. We have shared conversations and meals and stories with them. We pay them only the fairest prices.

Have questions about Argan Oil? Feel free to put them in the comments below or write to us at info@oilsbymaroc.com.