Shea

Shea butter is produced from the nuts of the shea tree. These trees grow exclusively on the African continent. The butter is edible and used as in ingredient in food, however the butter is more popular in cosmetic formulations for hair and skin. Although it can vary slightly depending on region and scale, the production in general involves collection of the nuts by hand after they fall to the ground when they are ripe. Then, the outer layer will be removed and the nuts are heated to crack the shell. In the oil mill the shea nuts are processed to raw butter, which is then refined in Europe.

The shea tree is usually between 10 – 20 meters high and grows wild in the tropics. The nuts can give an oil content up to 55%. Shea butter is widely used in cosmetic products, especially in skincare and haircare. It is also used in soap formulations due to its soft effect on the skin. Also the butter is used in food, for instance in margarines, as a basis in packaged food because of texture or as a substitute for cocoa butter – the high and uncertain prices are causing a shift to shea.