, where it comes from, how it’s made, and why it’s used
Shea nut oil is an all-natural vegetable oil with a lot of beneficial properties, as well as a long history of usage in African medicine and cosmetics. With its abundance of Vitamin A, Vitamin E and fatty acids, Shea nut oil is a great moisturizer, anti-inflammatory, and skin healer. It is also used in a wide range of beauty and personal care products.
Origins of Shea Nut Oil
Shea nut oil is derived from the African Shea tree, which is indigenous to West Africa, but can also be found in areas of East, Central and Southern Africa and parts of Asia. The nuts are harvested by hand and traditionally processed to make Shea butter, a creamy and moisturizing substance used in many vegan and organic beauty products.
The Shea tree – scientifically known as Vitellaria Paradoxa – is a towering kind of tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height and be very long-lived. The nuts, which are like small stones in their raw form, are the kernel of the fruit of the shea tree.
Making Process of Shea Nut Oil
The process of making Shea nut oil begins with shea nut kernels which are cracked and shelled. The nuts are then stored for about 24 hours to allow for fermenting, which helps extract the oil. The fermenting process also reduces the amount of water in the raw material, making the oil easier to extract.
The warm raw material is then cold-pressed to extract the oil, which is a labor-intensive process. Cold-pressing is done by manually grinding the shea nut kernels, mechanically pressing the paste and filtering out the impurities.
The result is a creamy, yellowish, fragrant oil that has a mild nutty flavor. The oil is highly perishable and must be kept away from direct sunlight and must be stored in a cool place.
Uses of Shea Nut Oil
Shea nut oil is used in many beauty and personal care products and cosmetic applications. It has a soft, creamy texture and readily absorbs into the skin – making it ideal for moisturizing and softening the skin. It is also used in massage oils and is a common ingredient in African medicine and cosmetics.
One of the main components of Shea nut oil is unrefined fatty acids, which makes it a great moisturizer for the skin and hair. Unrefined fatty acids also help to protect and nourish skin cells, boost collagen production, reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity.
Because of its moisturizing and skin-repairing properties, Shea nut oil is a common carrier oil used to dilute essential oils. It is also used in hair care products to fight frizz, hydrate dry scalps, prevent dandruff, and promote hair growth. As a result, Shea nut oil is often combined with other natural oils, such as coconut and jojoba, to create a diversity of “all-in-one” hair elixirs.
Its use is not limited to beauty regimes: Shea nut oil is also a great addition to any salad dressing. Its smooth, nutty taste adds a delicate flavor to vegetable and fruit salads, as well as making its way into a variety of sauces.
Conclusion
Shea nut oil is a versatile natural oil that is derived from the kernel of the African Shea tree. It is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin E and fatty acid-based nutrients and has been used for centuries in Africa for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Today, Shea nut oil is commonly used in beauty and healthcare products, from moisturizers and facial balms to massage oils and hair care products. It can also be used in cooking to add a nutty flavor to dressings, sauces and salads.
Shea nut oil is an incredibly versatile oil that has a variety of uses ranging from food preparation to medicinal purposes. It is made from the nuts of the Shea tree, which is native to parts of Africa, especially in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Burkina Faso. It has a nutty taste and a rich yellow-green color, and it can be found in a variety of cooking oils, creams, and body lotions.
But how exactly does Shea nut oil travel from the tree to a dinner plate? This article is going to take a deep dive into the various steps involved in the transformation of Shea nuts into flavorful, nourishing oil that is used in all kinds of cuisine around the world.
The first step in the journey is for Shea nuts to be harvested from their respective trees. This is usually done using a hand-held tool such as a hatch or sickle. You can also use a sharp knife to remove the nut from the tree. Once the nut is separated from the tree, it is then cleaned off to ensure it is free of mold and bugs.
The next step is to dry the nut. This can be done naturally in the sun, or with a machine that is made to do the job. The drying process not only helps the nut to mature and develop flavor, but it also ensures that it will not spoil during the storage and transportation process.
Once the Shea nut is dry, it is ready for pressing to extract the oil. Pressing the nut creates an oil that is made up of mainly unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid and linoleic acid. These acids are what give the Shea nut oil its rich yellow-green color, along with its nutty taste.
After pressing, the oil is filtered and packaged for sale. It can then be sold in containers for individual use or for sale in bulk by distributors. Some companies even make their own custom blends using the oil.
When the oil is bought, either by individual consumers or in bulk, it is transported to its destination. In the case of individual consumers, Shea nut oil can be shipped directly to them. In the case of bulk orders, the oil is usually transported by truck, as it is more efficient and cost effective.
Once the oil reaches its destination, it is usually used in cooking. It is popular in West African cuisine, but it can also be used in a variety of other dishes. It can be used as a replacement for butter or other oils in baking, cooking veggies, and making sauces. Shea nut oil can also be used to make a variety of cosmetics, from lip balms to facial creams.
And so, from being a nut high up on a Shea tree to being served on a dinner plate, Shea nut oil is one of nature’s most versatile products. Through careful preparation and storage, it has been able to remain popular in countries around the world, for both culinary and medicinal uses. As a result, it has become one of the most important natural ingredients in many areas of our lives.
Total Sugars | 0 ug |
per 100g
|
Caprylic acid (8:0) | 0.2 grams |
|
Capric acid (10:0) | 0.2 grams |
|
Lauric acid (12:0) | 1.3 grams |
|
Myristic acid (14:0) | 0.1 grams |
|
Palmitic acid (16:0) | 4.4 grams |
|
Stearic acid (18:0) | 38.8 grams |
|
Total Saturated fatty acids: | 45 g | |
Oleic acid (18:1) | 43.5 grams |
|
Palmitoleic acid (16:1) | 0.1 grams |
|
Total Monounsaturated fatty acids: | 43.6 g | |
Linolenic acid (18:3) | 0.3 grams |
|
Linoleic acid (18:2) | 4.9 grams |
|
Total Polyunsaturated fatty acids: | 5.2 g | |
Phytosterols | 0.36 grams |
|
Total Sterols: | 0.36 g |