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Argan Oil (Produced by Targanine Cooperative)
Name
Argan Oil (Produced by Targanine Cooperative)
Now attracting much worldwide attention, argan oil is a type of plant oil that is unique to Morocco. It has long been used by the Berber people of the Sahara for culinary and cosmetic purposes. This is the oil obtained from the seeds (kernels) in the fruits of the argan tree, which grows only on the northern edge of the Sahara desert. The traditional production process yields only 1 liter of this precious oil from 100 kg argan fruits.
Overview
Targanine Production Cooperative, an organization created for the purpose of environmental protection and sustainable development, is the producer of this highest-quality argan oil, which is exported to various countries in the world. Our company is the official import agent of Targanine argan oil in Japan. The Targanine logo mark show to the right is the proof of genuine argan oil produced by the Cooperative.
Argan trees are decreasing year by year, and are now facing the danger of extinction. Because argan tree forests are important ecological resources that help prevent the advance of the desert, they are protected as a biosphere reserve by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Moroccan people and government are striving for the protection and effective use of these resources.
Distinguishing features
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Slow Food Award
In recognition of the high quality and the activities of Targanine Production Cooperative, Targanine argan oil was given the first Slow Food Award by the Italian-based organization.
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French organic certification (ECOCERT)
The argan oil produced by Targanine Production Cooperation has been awarded the French organic certification, ECOCERT.
Research and collaborating institutions
Professor Zoubida Charrouf, Science Faculty of Mohamed V. University in Rabat, Morocco
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The world leader in the study of argan tree and the founder of the Targanine project.
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Awarded the Trophy of Solidarity in 2005 by the King of Morocco.
Functionality
Roast type (for use as edible oil)
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Edible oil is expressed from roasted fruits.
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The aromatic, appetizing hazelnut-like flavor is the hallmark.
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Argan oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids.
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It also contains vitamin E, sterols that are unique to argan oil, and other phytochemical substances.
Non-roast type (for use as cosmetic oil)
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Because the argan oil for cosmetic use has not been roasted, it looks clear yellow.
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This oil does not feel sticky on the skin and spreads well.
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It is also ideal for the protection of the skin and hair.
Non-roast type (for use as a functional food material)
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This product can also be used as a material for functional foods and supplements.
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This functional oil can supply essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and unique phytochemical substances.
Composition Ingredient
The functionality of Targanine argan oil derives not only from its excellent fatty acid composition but also from the following trace components and unsaponifiable matters.
Fatty acid composition
Palmitic acid (11.6%)
Stearic acid (5.3%)
Oleic acid (43.2%)
Linoleic acid (38.1%)
Linolenic acid (0.1%)
Tocopherols
Vitamin E content (700 mg/kg) is almost 2-3 times as much as that of olive oil.
Sterols
Content 180 mg/100 g. The sterols in this oil are chiefly delta (Δ) 7 sterols (shottenol and spinasterol), which rarely occur in plant oil.
Triterpenes
Content 180 mg/100 g. The triterpenes in this oil are tirucallol, β-amyrine, butyrospermol, and luperol.
Polyphenols
Content 60 mg/kg. The polyphenols in this oil are caffeic acid and oleuropein. Caffeic acid is so named because it also occurs in the coffee plant.
(Source: “Argan oil: a marvelous active substance produced on the edge of the desert,” thesis by Professor Zoubida Charrouf)
2004, International Conference on Argan Oil
In 2007, the year of the 10th anniversary of Targanine Production Cooperative, the Argan International Conference was held at Rabat University where Professor Charrouf worked to round up the Cooperative’s activities in the past 10 years.
The conference was attended by over 400 people from more than a dozen countries in the world representing various fields, including university researchers and famous French pâtissiers.
The 2-day conference covered a review of the activities of Targanine Cooperative, the presentation on environmental measures by international organizations, the reports of new scientific findings, and exciting discussion on these themes. In particular, reports documented remarkable progress in the studies of functional properties, including those on the effects of argan oil consumption.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of activities, argan trees were planted in the premises of Rabat University.
