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.
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.
Where does a shea tree grow?
Although it only grows in a limited swath of sub-Saharan African parklands, the wild shea tree supplies the entire world with enough shea nuts to meet the growing demand for both shea oil and shea butter.
Which country produces the most shea nut?
… of the po- tentials of shea nut indicate that major producing countries are found in West Africa. Available data from FAOSTAT (2013), shows that Nigeria has the highest potential of shea nut pro- duction.
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) . … …
How are shea nuts stored in Burkina Faso?
… Therefore, the nuts are stored for later processing in dry areas (tiny houses constructed as storage) after the women have collected them from the field. Annual shea kernel production in Burkina Faso ranges from 70,000 to 300,000 tons [94, 180]. …