Shea Butter

In the world of cosmetics it is widely used as salve, lotion or moisturizer. It can also be used while cooking and can be used to prepare a variety of mouth watering recipes. In the chocolate industry it is occasionally used as a substitute of cocoa butter.

• Stearic acid

• Oleic acid

• Palmitic acid

• Arachidic acid

• Linolenic acid

This butter melts at normal body temperature and absorbs into the skin very fast but does not leave any greasy feeling.

• Cracking or separating: First the external pulp of the fruit must be removed. The dry nut must be detached from the outer shell. This nut is the main source of the butter. This traditional activity is usually done by elder women and young girls who break those using small rocks.

• Crushing: The shea nuts must be crushed to convert them into butter. This is generally done with the help of a mortar and pestle. This is a tough and grueling task to crush the nuts by slamming them with heavy pestles. After this the nuts are perfect for roasting.

• Roasting: Then the nuts that are crushed are roasted by putting them in a huge pot that is placed on an open fire. Then a wooden paddle is used to constantly stir the pot. This is done under the sun and here the traditional smell of shea butter comes.

• Grinding: Then the roasted nuts are grounded to make a smooth paste. Water is added to the paste and is mixed by hand.

• Separating the oil: The paste is kneaded and water is added to separate the oil of the butter.

• Collecting and shaping: The butter which is now golden yellow or creamy in color is taken from the top of the pot and kept in a cool place for hardening. After this it is shaped into balls.

There are various uses of this butter. In African countries it is traditionally used for cooking, hairdressing, making candles. It is also used as ointments. Outside Africa the major use of this butter is in the cosmetics industry and is used in moisturizer and hair conditioners. Other than this there are also other medicinal uses of this butter.

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