The kernel is the oil-bearing material that can be obtained by processing the shea nut fruit. The fruit primarily undergoes several processes – de-pulping, boiling, drying, deshelling, winnowing and sorting – to obtain the kernel from which the shea butter is extracted. Mechanical processing technology
Where are shea nuts produced in Burkina Faso?
The Sissili and Ziro provinces are the most important production centres. Further, shea nuts are the country’s third most important export after cotton and livestock. Since both shea nuts and shea butter are exported in huge quantities from Burkina Faso, their quality is extremely important.
What is the shea butter export market?
The shea export market traditionally traded raw shea kernels rather than shea butter or other finished products. However, as shea applications have evolved and processing methods have improved, shea butter exports have increased as producing countries invest in more advanced equipment.
Where do Shea nuts come from?
Production of shea nuts in some selected countries from 2001-2012 (Source: FAOSTAT, 2013). The shea tree is a multipurpose tree crop indigenous to Sub Saharan African. The tree is highly cherished for the oil that is extracted from its kernels and used nationally and internationally in cosmetics, pharmaceutics and in chocolate formulations.
How many raw shea nuts are produced in Africa?
Africa produces approximately 1,760,000 metric tons (MT) of raw shea nuts a year, and historically, most of this stayed within the African continent to supply domestic demand. The shea export market traditionally traded raw shea kernels rather than shea butter or other finished products.
How is shea butter made in Africa?
The shea tree is considered the second most important oil crop in Africa after the oil palm tree . Following de-pulping (for consumption or conservation), the dried shea kernels are processed into shea butter through grinding, roasting, milling, churning, washing, and heating (Figures 2 and 3) . … …