Refined Unrefined Shea Butter - African Grade A Ivory, 1 Pound (16 oz)

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Shea Butter's Rich History

Shea butter has a long and storied history in Africa, with its use dating back to ancient times. It has been employed for a variety of purposes, including beauty, since the era of Cleopatra's reign in ancient Egypt, where the queen herself used it for skin and hair care. According to legend, she received shea butter in large clay pots. Queen Sheba is also believed to have been a devotee of this remarkable substance.

The exact origins of shea are not well-known, owing to changes in vegetation and continuous semi-domestication. However, in 2016, archaeologists uncovered shea nut shells in houses in Burkina Faso that dated back to 100 CE, providing evidence of its historical use. The trade in shea butter can be traced back approximately 4,300 years to ancient Egypt, with documented records of its exchange during the periods of 1352-1353 and 1795-1797 by various explorers.

The Shea Tree and Its Remarkable Fruit

Shea trees stand tall, ranging from 33 to 49 feet in height, and exhibit a well-branched, circular growth pattern. Their thick, spongy bark provides protection against the frequent wildfires that can damage the surrounding vegetation. After approximately 10 to 15 years, the trees begin bearing fruit, reaching their peak productivity around 20 years and continuing to produce nuts for up to 200 years.

The shea fruits undergo a four- to six-month development and ripening process, following the blooming of the trees with creamy white petals that last for a month or two. As they mature, the green fruits transition to a rich brown color. On average, each tree yields 30 to 45 pounds of fruit per year, with peak yields reaching even higher.

The Shea Butter Harvest

During the annual season, when food supplies are scarce, shea nuts are collected during the rainy season, which spans from May to August. This process involves several days of careful selection, gathering, drying, pounding, and kneading.

Women's Integral Role in Shea Butter Production

Shea nuts are gathered and processed using the same traditional methods that have been practiced for thousands of years. Ripe shea fruits naturally fall from the trees and are collected early in the morning. Local women, often with the help of children before school, traditionally carry out the harvesting. Women across Africa, often working together in groups, have embraced the production of shea butter as a means to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

In recent decades, the popularity of shea butter has grown worldwide. The manufacturing of shea butter is mostly overseen by women, and it is thanks to their dedicated work that we have shea butter available to us. The women of Africa deserve credit for their unwavering efforts in providing us with this remarkable product.

Processing Methods and Utilization

There are two main methods used for processing shea butter: crushing and solvent extraction. The solvent extraction method, involving the use of hexane, allows for the extraction of the highest proportion of fatty acids and is also cost-effective. This technique has become the standard practice, particularly in the chocolate industry, where shea butter is widely utilized.

Shea Butter's Importance and Versatility

Numerous households across West Africa maintain their own unique methods of procuring shea butter, a tradition that has endured through many generations. The basic process involves selecting shea nuts, cracking, roasting, and grinding them, followed by boiling in water for several hours until the shea butter floats to the top. This age-old method, though not yielding large quantities, is favored for its natural, chemical-free extraction process.

The shells left over from the procedure are utilized as cooking fuel, while the seeds are subjected to a process of cracking and roasting. Women's participation in the shea butter industry significantly bolsters their economic status, enabling them to make vital decisions and investments concerning their lives, families, and communities. The proceeds from selling shea butter are directed towards essential expenses, elevating the well-being of their families.

Shea butter's unique qualities make it a versatile and valuable product. It proves particularly useful during the winter months, as a wonderful moisturizer, and its natural, unrefined state makes it perfect for DIY projects. Unrefined shea butter can vary in color, from ivory to slightly yellowish, depending on the crop.

Trust Yellow Brick Road for Your Shea Butter Needs

Yellow Brick Road Shea Butter, derived entirely from pure, raw, and unrefined shea nuts, offers an affordable touch of luxury. Our shea butter is in its purest form, devoid of any refining or bleaching process, and is notable for its characteristic nutty aroma and rich, creamy texture. Trust the thousands of satisfied customers who have made Yellow Brick Road one of the most loved shea butter providers.

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