Shea butter Origins 

Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It is commonly yellow in color when raw and is native to central Africa. Shea butter is popular due to its amazing natural benefits that help sustain the health of skin and hair, it is often referred to as “women’s gold” due to the revenue and employment it brings to the women that harvest it across 19 African nations, It is also known as nicknamed as “the tree of life” due to its rich and nourishing properties. 

How is Shea Butter made? 

1. The nuts are boiled in a large pot, which makes the shells easier to break. 
2. The nuts are left to cool down and dry to remove all the moisture. 
3. The shea is extracted from their shells by hand usually by a group of women. 
4. The discarded shells are used for cooking fuel, while the seeds are cracked roasted until transformed into a dark brown paste.
5. The roasted seeds are then slowly beaten and stirred with water, the rinsed several times with water to purify it. 
6. The purified paste is then heated over a fire until the fat is released.  
7. Finally, the fat is then skimmed of the top and cooled which results in Shea butter.

How is our Shea Butter Sourced? 

Makamto Ltd is committed to sourcing the highest quality shea butter from small-scale farmers in Cameroon. Our company works closely with these farmers to ensure that they are paid a fair price for their ‘women’s Gold’. 

Written by S.makamto 01/11/2023 

Sources 

This Is How Shea Butter Is Made from Shea Nuts (africanfairtradesociety.com)

How is Shea Butter made? (argieessentials.com)

How Is Shea Butter Made? - Better Shea Butter

All Natural, Plant-Based Skin Care Products - Argie Essentials

How Is Shea Butter Made? - Better Shea Butter