How is shea butter used? And how is it produced? Discover the project in Burkina Faso

Production begins with the harvesting of nuts that fall spontaneously from the trees during the rainy season. These nuts are then sun-dried, shelled and the seeds inside are crushed and roasted, a process that gives the butter its characteristic aroma. After roasting, the seeds are ground to a thick paste, which is mixed with hot water to separate the fatty lipids that are essential for butter production. These lipids are then heated to create an emulsion, which after cooling solidifies to form shea butter.

Shea: exploitation and risk of extinction

The shea tree grows wild in the central belt of Africa. Currently, however, it has entered the list of endangered species in nature. Over-exploitation does not allow the trees to regenerate fast enough on their own, so their numbers are dwindling. To support the natural regeneration of the shea trees, we have initiated a project in Burkina Faso, where we plant new trees. where we plant new trees to prevent the risk of extinction.

The WOWnature project in Burkina Faso

If you want, you too can adopt shea trees and support the project and the association of women who care for them. Since 2018, we have been growing a new forest in Burkina Faso together with more than 1,000 women. Thanks to the people and companies that are supporting the project, we have planted baobab, moringa, nerè and shea trees, from which the women obtain the precious butter. The project is good for the environment, as it counteracts the desertification process and supports the local community and the women involved.

For more details and to see the complete production process, watch the video on YouTube.