Are you familiar with argan oil?
You may have heard of it as a popular ingredient in hair and skincare products, but did you know that it can also be consumed?
That’s right, argan oil has a culinary grade that is safe and delicious to eat.
In this article, we’ll explore the different ways you can incorporate argan oil into your diet and the health benefits it provides.
From salad dressings to desserts, the possibilities are endless.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to eat argan oil!
How To Eat Argan Oil?
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure you’re using the right kind of argan oil. Look for food-grade argan oil, also known as virgin argan oil or culinary argan oil. This can be found in health food stores, Moroccan grocery stores, or online.
Culinary argan oil is made by extracting oil-rich kernels from the hard argan nuts, toasting them, and then cold-pressing them. It should have a golden brown color and a delicious nutty taste.
Argan oil is best eaten at room temperature to maximize its nutritional benefits, similar to olive oil. It’s primarily eaten cold or added to warm foods at the end of the cooking process.
Here are some ways you can add argan oil to your daily diet:
1. Salad Dressings: Argan oil makes a great addition to salad dressings. You can use it on its own or mix it with lemon and olive oil for a tasty dressing.
2. Dips: Argan oil can be used as a stand-alone dip with fresh bread or mixed with other ingredients such as honey, peanut butter, or tahini.
3. Seasonings: Use argan oil as a seasoning for roasted vegetables or grilled fish.
4. Desserts: Argan oil is surprisingly delicious when drizzled over desserts or ice cream. It can also be used as a core dessert ingredient to replace coconut oil or butter.
It’s important to note that argan oil has a low smoking point, so it should be used over low to medium heat when cooking. If used for cooking with heat, it is best to add the oil towards the end of the cooking process to add depth and flavor.
What Is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is a plant oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco and southwestern Algeria. It is a rich source of oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated, omega-9 fat that has been credited with heart-protective effects. Argan oil also contains antioxidants and vitamin E, making it a great ingredient for skin and hair care products.
Culinary argan oil is made by toasting oil-rich kernels from hard argan nuts and then cold-pressing them. It has a golden brown color and a nutty taste that makes it perfect for use in a variety of dishes. Argan oil can be used as a salad dressing, dip, seasoning, or even as an ingredient in desserts. However, it has a low smoking point, so it should be used over low to medium heat when cooking.
Argan oil has become increasingly popular around the world due to its many health benefits and unique flavor. It is important to make sure you are using food-grade argan oil for consumption purposes, which can be found in health food stores or online.
The Culinary Grade Of Argan Oil
When it comes to using argan oil for culinary purposes, it’s crucial to understand the difference between culinary-grade and cosmetic-grade argan oil. Culinary-grade argan oil is specifically made for eating, cooking, and as a dietary supplement for its health benefits.
The process of making culinary-grade argan oil involves toasting the white argan nut kernels before cold-pressing them. This gives the oil a unique nutty flavor and a golden brown color.
It’s essential to read the label carefully when purchasing culinary-grade argan oil to ensure that you’re buying the real thing. Look for the words “Moroccan argan oil” on the label, and make sure that the ingredient list says “100 percent pure argan oil.” If other ingredients are listed, it means that the oil is not authentic.
Culinary-grade argan oil has a versatile flavor and can be used to create many types of food, including salad dressings, nutty salsas, creamy spicy sauces, grilled fish, roasted vegetables, biscuits and brownies, pasta dishes, and spreads and ice cream toppings.
In addition to its delicious taste, culinary-grade argan oil has many health benefits. It contains healthier Omega 3s than olive oil, more Vitamin E than sweet almond oil, and a myriad of cancer-fighting antioxidants. Scientific research suggests that it can help lower cholesterol, improve circulation, stabilize blood sugar, ease pain from rheumatism and arthritis, strengthen the body’s immune system, prevent various types of cancer, reduce the body’s resistance to insulin, helping treat diabetes and protect the body from cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.
Health Benefits Of Eating Argan Oil
Eating argan oil has been shown to have numerous health benefits. This oil is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A and E, which can help reduce inflammation, fight against cancer, improve digestion, and manage weight. The oleic acid found in argan oil has been linked to heart-protective effects and may help lower cholesterol levels.
Argan oil also contains trace minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are essential for overall health and wellbeing. Eating argan oil can also help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great addition to the diet of those with diabetes.
Furthermore, argan oil has been used in traditional Moroccan medicine to treat skin and hair diseases. Consuming argan oil can help improve skin health and elasticity, reducing the signs of aging. It can also promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Ways To Incorporate Argan Oil Into Your Diet
Argan oil is an incredibly versatile oil that can be used in a variety of ways to add a delicious nutty richness to any dish, both sweet and savory. Here are some specific ways you can incorporate argan oil into your diet:
1. Amlu Dip: Amlu is a traditional Moroccan dip made with roasted, ground almonds, honey, and argan oil. It’s a great way to enjoy the unique flavor of argan oil in a delicious and nutritious snack.
2. Smoothies: Add a tablespoon of argan oil to your favorite smoothie recipe for an extra boost of healthy fats and a nutty flavor.
3. Oatmeal: Drizzle argan oil over your morning oatmeal for a tasty and nutritious breakfast.
4. Baked Goods: Use argan oil as a substitute for butter or other oils in baked goods like cakes, cookies, and muffins. It will add a rich, creamy, and nutty flavor to your favorite treats.
5. Marinades: Use argan oil as a base for marinades for chicken, fish, or beef. The nutty flavor will complement the meat perfectly.
Remember to always choose 100% pure food-grade argan oil to ensure that you’re getting the best quality product for both cooking and consumption.
Argan Oil In Salad Dressings And Marinades
Argan oil is a great addition to any salad dressing or marinade. Its nutty flavor adds a unique and delicious taste to your dishes. One easy recipe for an argan oil vinaigrette salad dressing is to mix 1/2 cup of argan oil with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt or coarse sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper or regular black pepper, and the juice from a quarter to half of a lemon. Whisk all the ingredients together and adjust the vinegar or oil ratio to your liking.
For a simple salad dressing, mix 1/4 cup of argan oil with the juice from half a lemon, salt, and pepper to taste. This dressing works well with light salads such as bean salad, couscous salad, or cold chickpea salad.
When using argan oil in marinades, it’s important to use it in moderation as it has a strong flavor. Mix it with other ingredients such as garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for a delicious marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Argan Oil In Main Dishes And Side Dishes
Argan oil is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of main dishes and side dishes. Here are some ways to incorporate argan oil into your cooking:
1. Meat Dishes: Argan oil can be used to marinate meat before grilling or roasting. It adds a nutty richness to the meat and helps to tenderize it.
2. Vegetable Dishes: Use argan oil to sauté or roast vegetables. It pairs well with spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric.
3. Grain Dishes: Argan oil can be used in place of other oils when cooking grains like quinoa or couscous. It adds a delicious nutty flavor and richness to the dish.
4. Soups and Stews: Add a drizzle of argan oil to soups and stews just before serving. It adds depth and flavor to the dish.
5. Sides: Use argan oil as a finishing oil for side dishes like roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, or grilled asparagus.
Remember that a little goes a long way with argan oil, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste. With its unique flavor profile and health benefits, argan oil is a great addition to any dish.
