Agbanga Karite Shea Butter Newsletter
Issue 2 Volume 5 - May 2005
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This Newsletter Contains:
Many of our customers have wondered why not all unrefined shea butter is the same in color and scent. We have decided to take the opportunity to explain these variations in this month's newsletter. In June, we will address variations in hardness in unrefined shea butters. Color Color of a true traditionally processed shea varies from ivory, to light yellow or even light green. There are several variables that lead to color variation, including the season when the butter is made, the method of crafting the butter, and variations of fatty acid ratio within the shea nuts. Seasonal changes can have a direct impact on the color of shea butter. For instance, we have found that shea butter made in the fall with shea nuts that have been freshly gathered is not as yellow as shea butter made with shea nuts that have been stored for a longer period. We believe this may have to do with the water content of the shea nuts, but we have not yet conducted conclusive studies to determine this. The method of extracting the oil may have a greater impact on color of unrefined shea butter, however. The traditional method in Togo involves grinding the nuts into a paste after roasting them, then mixing the paste with water and whipping it by hand for one to three hours until the fat separates from the water. The fat is then collected and heated to further remove moisture. The next step is the crystallization process, which begins after the oil has set for 5 hours. This involves stirring the oil as it crystallizes so that fat crystals align smoothly and it becomes a butter. This step influences the color, since the amount of stirring, speed and duration determine how light the color will be. The longer it is stirred, the lighter the color will be. Furthermore, if the shea nuts were not properly washed before grinding, the dust will remain in the butter, darkening the color. This can also occur if the shea nuts are grilled too long or if they are grilled over a wood fire and the smoke is incorporated into the butter. Good handcrafted, unrefined shea butter will be ivory, light yellow, or light green. The color variation depends on a number of factors and should be expected with a handcrafted, natural product. Scent The naturally nutty scent of traditionally handcrafted shea butter can also vary depending on extraction method and geographical location of the shea tress. The main factor that affects the scent is the process of extracting the oil. If wood is used to roast the nuts or heat the oil, and the fire is too smoky, the smoke can infiltrate the butter and give it a smoky smell. Also, if the shea nuts are burned during the roasting to reduce moisture content, the resulting butter will have a strong smoky scent. Again, handcrafted shea butter is a natural product that has not been refined, and as a result, it has a scent. The natural scent of shea butter is pleasant, but can also be masked with essential oils quite easily. You should expect some variation in scent, especially since shea butter is produced across a wide geographical area and by multiple people with different extraction methods. What is most important is to know your supplier, the origin of the shea butter, the extraction process, and when it was made. WORKING WITH SHEA BUTTER, PART III Shea butter is wonderful in lotions and creams. However, when there is a high quantity of shea butter, some lotions can become clumpy if they are not mixed properly. We have found that lotions need to cool down to at least 118 deg F before you stop mixing them to ensure that the lotion is creamy and smooth. Also, we have found that a stick blender or other high shear equipment is necessary for a smooth emulsification when using shea butter in lotions or creams. Saturday, May 14 2005 is World Fair Trade Day. World Fair Trade Day is an annual opportunity to promote Fair Trade as a way to improve lives, participate in the worldwide Fair Trade movement, and make positive connections to other countries. To browse through this year's World Fair Trade Day events, visit the World Fair Trade Day web page at http://www.wftday.org. We encourage you to support fair trade tomorrow and everyday by purchasing fair trade products in your area. Although the Togolese presidential elections are no longer headline news, the country is not yet reached a consensus on the results. You can read more at http://allafrica.com/stories/200505100865.html. AllAfrica.com is a web based news service that covers the entire content with up to date stories and a searchable archive. Their home page is http://allafrica.com. -------- Copyright 2004-2005 Agbanga Karite Group Volumes: October
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