Articles
Variations in the Colour of Shea Butter
There are several variables that lead to colour variation the main ones being the season the Shea Butter is harvested and the method of Shea Butter production.
Seasonal changes can have a direct impact on the colour of Shea Butter. For instance, Shea Butter made in autumn with freshly gathered shea nuts is lighter than the yellow butter that comes from nuts which have been stored for a longer period. Some believe that this colour difference is to do with the water content of the Shea nuts though studies to prove this have yet to be conducted. This difference has no effect on the quality of the resulting butter.
The method of extracting the oil also has an impact on the colour of unrefined Shea Butter. The traditional method used in producing Shea Butter involves grinding roasted shea nuts, adding water and mixing until a paste is formed. The paste is then whipped by hand for up to three hours until the fat and water separate. The fat is then collected and heated to further remove moisture. The next step is the crystallization process and this begins after the oil has set for five hours. This involves stirring the oil as it crystallizes so that fat crystals align smoothly and it becomes a butter. This step influences the colour, since the amount of stirring time and the speed of stirring will determine how light the colour will be. The longer it is stirred, the lighter the colour will be. If the nuts are roasted over a wood fire the colour of the butter is usually a darker yellow.
The various methods of extracting the oil from Shea Butter nuts and the geographical locations of the Shea Butter trees can also affect the scent of a traditionally produced Shea Butter. If wood is used to roast the nuts or heat the oil the smoke can infiltrate the butter and give it a smoke-like smell. Also, if the shea nuts are burned during the roasting to reduce moisture content, the resulting butter will also have a strong smoked scent.
Sources : Abanga Karite, Issue 2 - Volume 5. Pobeda, Michael - The Revival of an African Wonder. Phyto Africa