The process of making Shea Nut Oil is similar to the production process of other fractionated carrier oils. The raw Shea Butter pressed from the Shea nut undergoes a process known as fractionation, which allows its liquid oil (the ‘olein’) to separate from the heavier components (the ‘stearin’).
What is the mechanical press method of shea butter extraction?
The mechanical press method of shea butter extraction has been reported by FAO and CFC (2002) but one of the earliest research on the use of the mechanical press was by Marchand (1988). His research revealed that equipped with a jack that exerts 30 tonnes of force, a shea butter press could crush more than 3 kg of shea kernels within 20 minutes.
How is shea butter extracted?
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 referred to as the Cold Press Extraction method, does not involve the various different heating stages involved in traditional processing.
What is shea butter used for?
Shea butter is ideal for use as a raw material for cooking oil, margarine, cosmetics, soap, detergents and candles due to the presence of solid fat (stearin) and liquid oil (olein) and is used extensively in food industries. Shea butter processing is a seasonal affair. Fruiting and gathering of shea nuts occur between May and August each year.