Shea butter, traditionally known as Ori in Yoruba, is an off white or ivory fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa).
For centuries, across the West African Sahel, women have preserved the intricate, multi step tradition of harvesting and refining shea nuts into a prized botanical lipid.
Rich in fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and key anti-inflammatory compounds, Ori serves as a deep natural moisturizer, skin barrier repair agent, and traditional healing balm.
Beyond skin care, it plays a vital role in local culinary traditions, native medicine, and economic empowerment, supporting millions of rural women through cooperative harvesting networks across the African continent.
Countries Across the African Shea Belt.
The wild shea tree thrives naturally in a semi arid zone spanning 21 sub-Saharan African nations:
West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Gambia, Niger.
Central and East Africa: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The 8 Step Shea Butter Production Process
Harvesting Shea Nuts: Gathering the fallen wild shea nuts from beneath the Vitellaria paradoxa (shea) trees.
Picking and Preparing: Sorting, cleaning, shelling, and sun-drying the nuts to isolate the valuable kernels.
1st Grind: Crushing the dried shea kernels into smaller, manageable fragments.
Roasting: Gently roasting the crushed kernels to release natural oils and impart the signature nutty aroma.
2nd Grind: Milling the roasted fragments into a smooth, dark paste.
Kneading / Whipping: Hand-kneading the paste with water to separate the fatty oils from the water-based residue.
Final Touches: Purifying, melting, and carefully straining the separated oil to remove fine impurities.
Packing of Shea Butter: Pouring the liquid butter into containers to cool, solidify, and prepare for distribution.
Credit : Mrs Rasheedat Hill, an Esteemed member of NIG AGRO EXPORT who can be contacted on Whatsapp Number : +234 703 843 9581
