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 shea nut processing?
Women and children collect the fallen fruit and take them back to their villages for processing into shea butter, an edible fat. Harvest is at the beginning of the rainy season. Harvest prospects are subject to considerable fluctuations. This Howtopedia entry was derived from the Practical Action Technical Brief Shea Nut Processing.
How is shea butter made in Africa?
The shea tree is considered the second most important oil crop in Africa after the oil palm tree . Following de-pulping (for consumption or conservation), the dried shea kernels are processed into shea butter through grinding, roasting, milling, churning, washing, and heating (Figures 2 and 3) . … …
Which country produces the most shea nut?
… of the po- tentials of shea nut indicate that major producing countries are found in West Africa. Available data from FAOSTAT (2013), shows that Nigeria has the highest potential of shea nut pro- duction.
How is shea oil extracted?
As a result, many shea producers are adopting more mechanized solutions to improve quality and yield. Larger processors use mechanical extraction equipment to recover more oil efficiently. Screw press expellers physically crush the shea kernels to squeeze out shea oil from the solid meal, which exits the expeller as a cake.
What is a shea nut Kettle?
The kettle uses steam for indirectly heating the Shea nut kernel. The kettle is specially designed to achieve a temperature of minimum 110°C at the outlet with a retention time of minimum 60 minutes. Coagulate the protein in the meal to facilitate separation of the oil from protein.