Extraction of Shea Butter

Enzymes can be simultaneously used to selectively release targeted fats from pre-treated Shea nut kernels and improve extraction yield at optimized conditions. Three different pre-treated Shea nut substrates: raw kernels roasted kernels and Shea nut paste from roasted kernels were subjected to treatment with three different industrial enzymes: lipase pectinase and cellulase separately and in combination for Shea butter extraction. Enzyme mixtures was optimized at pH of 6; 3 % Enzyme-Substrate concentration 2 hour hydrolysis time at a temperature of 60 ºC. Extraction yields of substrates were compared against each other and against extraction methods. Enzyme assisted aqueous hydrolysis of Shea nut biomass for Shea butter production is a promising technology with a great potential (extraction efficiency and safety) to substitute traditional extraction methods.