Refined Shea Butter - 1 Pound (16oz)

Shea Butter: A Timeless Treasure from Africa

Shea butter boasts a rich history, dating back to ancient times when it was extensively used in Egypt during Cleopatra's reign for skin and hair care. Queen Sheba is also believed to have incorporated this natural wonder into her beauty regimen. Though the exact origins of shea remain obscure due to changes in vegetation and continuous semi-domestication, archaeologists have uncovered shea nut shells in Burkina Faso homes dating back to 100 CE, providing tangible evidence of its historical use. The trade in shea butter can be traced back approximately 4,300 years to ancient Egypt, with documented records of its commerce during the 14th and 18th centuries.

Shea trees, standing tall at 33 to 49 feet, exhibit a well-branched, circular growth pattern, their thick, spongy bark offering protection against the frequent wildfires that ravage the surrounding vegetation. These trees begin bearing fruit after 10 to 15 years, reaching peak productivity around 20 years and continuing to yield nuts for up to 200 years. The shea fruits undergo a remarkable four- to six-month development and ripening process, transitioning from creamy white blossoms to a rich brown hue. On average, each tree produces 30 to 45 pounds of fruit annually, with peak yields reaching even higher.

The annual shea nut harvest takes place during the rainy season, spanning from May to August when food supplies are scarce. This meticulous process involves days of careful selection, gathering, drying, pounding, and kneading – all carried out using the same traditional methods practiced for millennia. Women, often with the assistance of their children before school, have traditionally been the stewards of this labor-intensive endeavor, working together in groups to achieve economic self-sufficiency through the production of shea butter.

In recent decades, the popularity of shea butter has soared worldwide, thanks to the unwavering efforts of African women who have dedicated themselves to this craft. The manufacturing of shea butter is predominantly overseen by women, and it is their tireless work that has made this remarkable product available to us.

Shea butter is processed using two primary methods: crushing and solvent extraction. The solvent extraction technique, which employs hexane, enables the extraction of the highest proportion of fatty acids in a cost-effective manner, making it the standard practice, particularly in the chocolate industry.

Numerous households across West Africa maintain their own unique methods of procuring shea butter, a tradition that has endured for generations. This age-old manual process, though not yielding large quantities, is favored for its natural, chemical-free extraction. The leftover shells are even utilized as cooking fuel, while the seeds undergo cracking and roasting.

The Shea Butter industry holds immense importance for women in rural areas, providing a vital source of employment and income. The proceeds from selling shea butter are directed towards essential household expenses, education fees, and infrastructure development, empowering women and fostering a sense of independence and self-determination. Shea butter hubs have also established a space for women to share ideas and uplift their lives and initiatives.

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