Shea butter is a slightly yellowish or ivory colored and nutty, smoky scented natural fat extracted from the seed of the African Shea tree. Traditionally, Shea Butter was extracted by people who picked the nuts, cracked them, grilled them and pounded them. They were boiled in water for hours until the Shea Butter rose to the surface. It was then scooped into gourds and left to cool and set. Shea Butter is solid at room temperature although it quickly liquefies right around body temperature. This Shea Butter is called unrefined Shea Butter or raw Shea Butter. It contains a rich amount of unremovable fatty acid which renders it far superior to Cocoa Butter and other natural vegetable butters. Applications: Body lotions and body butters Hand and foot creams Lip care preparations Sun protection and after sun products Hair care products Luxury soaps Ointments Deodorants