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Shea nuts are the extracted fruit of a shea tree that grows wild in West Africa. The tree, which can reach between 10 and 15 meters in height, has a short trunk (about three meters) with a diameter of under 1 meter. Its life span is between two to three hun- dred years. On average, it produces its first fruit when it is fifteen years old and attains full production when the tree is about twenty-five years old. Properties of processed shea butter: Absorbs the sun’s UV-B rays Protects the skin Stimulates and regenerates skin cells Heals Prevents sun allergies Disinfects Anti-oxidising, delays the impact of cell ageing Pre- and after-sun product Controls blood clotting Anti-inflammatory Moisturises the skin Moisturises the upper layers of the epidermis by preventing cell water from evaporating Shea buer produced by the Women’s Group of Gnogondèmè has been cerfied organic by Ecocert in accordance with its Ecocert Organic Standard (EOS), which is equivalent to the European Union (EU) regulaon and Naonal Organic Program (NOP) standards. Our shea butter is hand-crafted by the women of the Gnogondèmè group, which was established in 2002 in Yona, Burkina Faso. The skills for this traditionally female pursuit are handed down from mother to daughter. By using this 100% natural soap, you are helping improve the daily living standards of entire families in the village of Yona in Burkina Faso as well as protec- ting the environment. In addition to giving women equal access to credit and to land as men, this income- generating project enables them to meet their children’s school and health care needs. Each shea butter-based product is a source of employ- ment for about one hundred women. A naturally occurring product, it is converted into shea butter soap and combined with the beneficial qualities of green clay, honey or neem extract. Karité des femmes de Yona Village de Yona, Burkina Faso, Afrique Téléphone : +226.70.56.28.76 The shea butter production process: First, the women fetch water from the borehole. They fill four large tubs with water, which they carry on their heads. Next, the women collect four 80-kg bags of shea nuts to wash in the freshly drawn water. The women then grind the nut pieces finely into a paste. This is set aside for 24 hours. Water is added to the paste, which the women knead in a forward-leaning position until it is smooth. The churning stage is tough on the back. The nuts are rinsed twice in order to eliminate dust and all impurities. The nuts are laid out on racks to dry in the sun. Damaged nuts are removed. This is one of the few times in the day when the village women meet and discuss. After 10 minutes, the butter rises to the top. On collection, it is rinsed two times in clean water. The butter is then put in a pot where it is boiled for about 1 hour at 100°C. Afterwards, the nuts are crushed i.e., pounded into large pieces. The nut particles are roasted for about 30 minutes. When they are ready, they emit a coffee-chocolate aroma! The women wait for the butter to cool to between 40 and 50°C. As it is still liquid, it is strained through a automatic filter. Finally, the women let the butter cool at room temperature before storing in barrels. Rich in vitamins A and D, shea buer moisturises, nourishes, protects and helps heal the skin. Renowned for its use in the beauty industry, shea buer is also used in tradional cuisine. Did you know that it takes 20 to 25 hours of work to obtain 1 kg of shea buer? We produce four types of soap: Natural shea buer (moisturising) Shea buer & clay (healing) Shea buer & neem (ansepc) in addion to Shea & honey (anoxidant) [email protected] « Karité » (shea butter in French) is a Dioula word that means « life ».
