Agbanga Karite Shea Butter Newsletter
Issue 2 Volume 3 - March 2005
|
This Newsletter Contains:
Shea butter is wonderful to use in its natural state, without any added fragrances, oils, or waters. However, there are things to do to make it easier to use, especially for people who have never used it before. Starting with this issue, we will have a recipe and/or tip on using shea butter every month. This month we thought it would be best to discuss melting and pouring shea butter, since this is often more difficult that it would seem, as shea butter has a tendency to become grainy if it is not re-crystallized properly. In our research we have come across various suggestions for preventing and "fixing" grainy shea butter. We have included two here as well as the method that we use. We suggest trying out the various methods to find the one that works for you. 1. Temperature Control Method: Heat the butter to 170-185 degrees F and keep this temperature steady for 10-15 minutes. The steady heat will eliminate the fat crystals that are causing the graininess. Rapid cooling may help stop the crystals from reforming. 2. Cool Down Method: Melt the shea until it has just melted, and stir to remove melt any remaining small pieces and to mix the shea thoroughly. Let the shea sit uncovered until it reaches room temperature, but is not solid. Pour into individual containers and place them in a cool location. 3. Agbanga Method: Our method is very similar to the second one. However, to ensure the absolute creamiest butter, we recommend stirring it as it cools down to room temperature. For small batches (a few pounds), continue stirring occasionally until the butter has the consistency of thick porridge. The more you stir at this point, the creamier it will be. When the butter has become solid (no longer liquid, but still soft), put it into a large pastry bag and squeeze it into your containers. Hold the tip of the bag near the bottom of the jar so the shea butter will fill in the jar completely. For large batches, we recommend using a paint stirrer with a hand held drill to mix the shea butter. Mix the shea with the paint stirrer for a few minutes after it has cooled, but is still liquid. It will still be slightly warm to the touch, but not hot. Pour the shea into your containers and place in a cool location to crystallize. This will need to be done quickly, as the shea butter will crystallize rapidly. NATIONAL FAIR TRADE CONFERENCE The Fair Trade Federation and Fair Trade Resource Network are organizing a National Fair Trade Conference in the fall of this year for people who believe in Fair Trade as a model of economic and environmental justice to strengthen Fair Trade mission-driven organizations and attract customers and activists to the movement. During the weekend long conference, Fair Trade organizations, consumers, activists and businesses will: Build energy and excitement about Fair Trade among
those committed to its principles. If you are interested in joining this conference, go to the fair trade federation website for contact details. March 22 was World Water Day, and the beginning of the United Nation's international decade of action, Water for Life. The decade is aimed at achieving one of the UN's millennium development goals - halving the number of people without clean water supplies by the year 2015. The UN estimates that one person in six has no access to clean drinking water and one in three has no access to sanitation. In Africa, these ratios are even higher. To read more about how Africans feel about the water issue in their own countries and to see some photos visit the following links: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4375409.stm -------- Copyright 2004-2005 Agbanga Karite Group Volumes: October
2004 |