Shea butter comes from the nuts of wild shea trees that grow in northern and central Africa. Unrefined shea butter contains vitamins, minerals and proteins that act like a moisturizer and helps restore the skins natural elasticity. Unrefined shea butter is also said to help with skin conditions such as extreme dryness, eczema, wrinkles, stretch marks and scars.

The Process:

-The shea fruits are collected and steamed so the kernel shrinks away from the shell. This prevents damage to the kernel when the shell is removed.

-The kernels are extracted and placed in the sun to dry for an extended period of time. This extended drying time is necessary as it allows the shea kernel to maintain a shelf life of five years.

-The dried kernels are inspected and sorted then washed with potable water to remove dust and debris.

-The clean, dried kernels are crushed then lightly grilled to remove excess moisture.

-The crushed, roasted kernels are the ground into a powder using a grinding stone or an electric mill.

-The shea powder is mixed with clean, potable water and mixed by hand. When white spots occur (approx. 1-3 hrs.) warm water is added which causes the shea fats to rise to the surface and separate from the non-oil portion.

-The shea fats are collected and slightly heated to remove excess moisture. The clear oil is gravity filtered into clean basins to cool.

-After the shea is cooled it is carefully stirred to initiate the solidifying process.

Uses:

-Dry or Sun Damaged Skin

-Wrinkles

-Stretch Marks

-Scars/Blemishes

-Eczema

-Burns

-Ingredient in Skin Care Products

Sustainability:

Shea trees grow naturally in the grasslands of Africa and do not need irrigation, fertilizers or pesticides. Unrefined shea butter is hand harvested and hand produced. The shea fruit is not over-harvested and the local people are in control of their resources.

Our unrefined shea butter is purchased from a local African owned producer. The producer follows the guidelines of the Fair Trade Federation, Africa Fair Trade Council and Global Alliance for Community Empowerment. These organizations work towards providing fair wages and employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged communities through fair trade, education, sustainable living and gender equality.

We use unrefined shea butter in our Umoja Collection.

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Rebecca

Country Meadow Ltd.

www.countrymeadowltd.com