The process of making Shea Nut Oil is similar to the production process of other fractionated carrier oils. The raw Shea Butter pressed from the Shea nut undergoes a process known as fractionation, which allows its liquid oil (the ‘olein’) to separate from the heavier components (the ‘stearin’).
How to process shea nut kernels?
For processing Shea nut kernels, we need a combination of mechanical pressing unit ( Oil Mill ) and solvent extraction plant (SEP). The following are steps involved in Shea Butter Extraction Plant : Shea nut kernels are separated and cleaned to remove impurities such as dust, metal, plant stalks.
What is organic shea nut oil?
Our organic shea nut oil is a beautiful oil with a deep golden color which is delivered to us from the nut seed of the hea (karite) tree. Shea oil is a byproduct of shea butter production where the pressing of the seeds produces a fractionated oil. This oil leaves a smooth and healthy feel to the skin.
What is the mechanical press method of shea butter extraction?
The mechanical press method of shea butter extraction has been reported by FAO and CFC (2002) but one of the earliest research on the use of the mechanical press was by Marchand (1988). His research revealed that equipped with a jack that exerts 30 tonnes of force, a shea butter press could crush more than 3 kg of shea kernels within 20 minutes.