Do American People Care About Sustainability?

In today’s world, sustainability is a pressing concern, yet the recent NY Times article “The State of the Nation” paints a rather bleak picture: Americans seem to care less about sustainability. However, there’s a beacon of hope in the culinary world: culinary argan oil.
Derived from the argan tree native to Morocco, culinary argan oil is not just a culinary delight but also a champion of sustainability.

The production process ensures minimal environmental impact. The fruits of the argan trees are wild-harvested,  and the trees do not need irrigation, fertilizers, or pesticides. This natural approach aligns perfectly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming for a more sustainable future.

Moreover, the argan oil industry provides vital economic support to local communities, offering employment opportunities and preserving cultural heritage. The “No Loss, No Waste” philosophy ensures that every part of the argan fruit is utilized, reducing food waste and promoting a circular economy.

While the insightful “Grains of Truth” report by EATFORUM.org highlights the global challenges in achieving sustainable food systems, culinary argan oil stands out as a model of sustainability. It’s a reminder that sustainable practices are not just possible but also beneficial for both people and the planet. So, the next time you drizzle that golden elixir over your salad or use it in your cooking, remember culinary argan oil is also a testament to the power of sustainable living.

culi.state of the nation (1)

All Kernel Oils Are Vegetable Oils, but Not All…

A recent report by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) sheds light on the beliefs and scientific facts surrounding seed oils in the United States. The report highlights a growing divide between scientific evidence and public opinion, with many Americans skeptical about the health benefits of seed oils.

The IFIC Report: Perceptions vs. Facts

The IFIC report reveals that while many Americans believe seed oils are unhealthy, scientific research shows that oils like canola, and soybean oil can actually improve cardiometabolic risk factors. However, consumer confusion and misinformation continue influencing public belief, according to the report. This gap between science and public opinion underscores the need for better education and transparency in the food industry. Kernel oils are not part of the discussion; they mostly self-identify as a Vegetable oil, or simply plant based.

Plant Based Oils: Vegetable, Seed, and Kernel Oils

  • Vegetable Oils: These are oils extracted from various plant sources, including seeds, nuts, fruits, and grains. Examples include olive oil and coconut oil. Culinary argan oil falls into this category as it is derived from the kernels – (part of the plant/tree) of the argan fruit.
  • Seed Oils: These oils are specifically extracted from the seeds of plants. Common seed oils include canola (from canola seeds), soybean (from soybean seeds), and sunflower oil (from sunflower seeds). They are known for their high content of unsaturated fatty acids. Seed oils are a subset of vegetable oils.
  • Kernel Oils: These are oils extracted from the kernel or inner part of a seed or fruit stone. Example: apricot kernel oil (from the kernel inside the apricot pit). Culinary argan oil, extracted from the kernels of the argan tree’s fruit, is also considered a kernel oil. Kernel oils are also a subset of vegetable oils.

In essence, all seed oils are vegetable oils, and all kernel oils are also vegetable oils, but seed oils are extracted directly from seeds while kernel oils come from the inner part of seeds or fruit stones.

Since culinary argan oil is derived from the kernels inside the argan fruit, it falls under the category of kernel oil rather than seed oil. That’s what we list as single ingredient on our label: Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil. In our daily life, we talk about it as a Vegetable oil.

Culinary Argan Oil the Sustainable Choice

Culinary argan oil, derived from the argan tree native to Morocco, offers a compelling solution to the sustainability and health concerns raised in the IFIC report. Unlike many high-processed vegetable oils, argan oil is minimally processed using a cold-pressed extraction method. Pure as pure can be, nothing added. And like we wrote here:

Nutritional Benefits

Culinary argan oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-6 and omega-9, as well as vitamin E. It has a tiny bit of Omega 3 as well. These nutrients contribute especially to heart health and overall well-being. The oil’s unique nutty flavor makes it a versatile and tasty ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes, from salad dressings to roasted vegetables. Additionally, culinary argan oil is generally considered hypoallergenic, as it comes from a ‘stone fruit’ and contains no known common allergens.

Moreover, according to the revised Nutri-Score algorithm from Europe, introduced in 2023, some vegetable oils, including canola, soybean, and olive oil, have been reclassified and upgraded from a C rating to a B rating. This change reflects their higher nutritional value, particularly due to their beneficial unsaturated fatty acids and lower levels of saturated fats. Culinary Argan Oil scores a B; which is the highest rating for fats.

Spread the love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *