Which country produces the most shea nuts in West Africa?
Nigeria accounts for over 50 percent of the production in West Africa as indicated in Table 1 below. The reports of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Oil Seeds Association of Nigeria (OSAN) confirm that Nigeria produces significant quantity of shea nuts annually.
Which country has the largest Shea belt in the world?
Nigeria has the largest shea belt in the world. Shea trees grow naturally in about 21 of the 36 states in Nigeria, and Nigeria is recognised as the world’s leading producer of shea nut with a global production of about 45 per cent. The kernels contain about 42 to 48 per cent oil, which has tremendous skin care, healing and medicinal properties.
Where does shea butter grow in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, Shea tree grows in Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kogi, Benue, Ogun and Oyo States. Shea butter, a slightly yellowish or ivory-coloured fat, is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, salve or lotion.
What does Shea Nigeria do?
Shea Nigeria has united its players in a collaborative effort to ensure sustainability and fair trade practices throughout the entire value chain. Through collective action and shared commitment, stakeholders are working hand in hand to promote ethical sourcing, empower local communities, and protect the environment.
What’s more to Shea Nigeria?
There is more to Shea Nigeria. There are no two truths to this. The Nigerian shea industry is potentially rewarding for all the value chain players. Together, we are building the future of Nigerian Shea. Our philosophy at Shea Nigeria is, building the invalueable support and partnerships to advance the mechanisms and systems to grow the industry.
How are shea nuts dried?
Fresh shea fruit were collected, de-pulped, boiled and dried using methods such as sun drying, traditional oven drying and manually operated rotary drying. The fresh shea nuts were subjected to boiling times of 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes before drying.