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  • How are shea kernels processed?
  • Shea kernels are processed to obtain shea oil, which when solidified forms shea butter. The kernels are processed using methods such as solvent extraction. ( Coulibaly et al ., 2009 )
  • Is shea butter oil Rancid?
  • The acid value for shea butter oil extracted by SEM (1.20±0.13) is higher than that of TEM (0.50±0.06), indicating greater susceptibility to rancidity. However, the acid value for TEM stayed below the accepted threshold of 1% for edible oils.
  • Is shea butter oil a good vegetable oil source?
  • Shea butter oil extracted by both TEM and SEM methods is capable of serving as a high yielding commercially rich source of vegetable oil.\nPeroxide Value (PV) obtained for Shea butter oil extracted by TEM was lower than that of SEM, but both methods have acceptable PV.
  • Is solvent extraction method better than traditional extraction method?
  • The solvent method yields a higher percentage of oil and exhibits better TBA, saponification, and iodine values compared to the traditional method of extraction. However, it lacks in overall sensory acceptability, while the traditional method scores higher in this regard.
  • Why does Shea butter oil have a low iodine value?
  • Shea butter oil has a low iodine value because it is rich in saturated fatty acids, which ensures stability against oxidation and rancidification of foods prepared with the oil ( Goh, 1994 ). The passage also mentions that extraction method affects sensory parameters of texture, appearance, odour/aroma, and general acceptability.
  • What does a shea fruit consist of?
  • A shea fruit consists of a kernel (embryo), which contains about 60% edible fat, a green epicarp, a fleshy mesocarp (pulp), and a shell cover (endocarp).