How do I Cook With African Shea Butter?

Shea butter is the fatty extract from the seed of the shea tree, which grows predominately in the African semi-arid savannah belt. An important use of shea butter is for cooking. Shea butter can be made at home and does does not require any special equipment. The fruits, which ripen during the planting season make a good snack too.

Things You'll Need

• Recipe
• Refined African shea butter
• Measuring cup
• Double boiler
• Oven

Instructions

1. Consult the recipe to determine how much shea will be needed. You may substitute shea butter where the recipe calls for butter, margarine, vegetable shortening, or ghee butter.

2. 

   A double boiler allows heat-sensitive ingredients to heat slowly and evenly, eliminating the possibility of scorching or overcooking.

   Melt shea in a double boiler. Measure the amount of shea oil required in a measuring cup per the recipe's instructions.

3. Add shea oil to the other ingredients in the recipe per the instructions. Bake at the recommended temperature for the specified amount of time according to the recipe's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Use grade 'A' unrefined or refined shea butter for your cooking purposes.

• Shea butter should not be malodorous or contain dirt or debris.

References

• Official Site of the Alaffia Agbanga Certified Fair Trade Shea Butter Cooperative
• American Shea Butter Institute: 21 reasons to use shea butter

Resources

• Skin Care Reviews: Shea Butter