Shea nut oil processing: key steps from kernel to high-quality refined oil​

The natural value of shea nut and the importance of processing​

Shea nut is a natural plant oil extracted from the kernel of the African shea tree. Rich in 85% to 90% fatty acids (including omega-6 and omega-9), vitamin E, and phytosterols, it boasts moisturizing, repairing, and antioxidant properties, making it widely used in skincare, food, and pharmaceuticals. However, the quality and yield of shea nut are highly dependent on processing techniques.

As a professional oil and fat equipment manufacturer, QIE Group provides a full-chain solution from pretreatment, pressing, to refining, ensuring that shea nut retains its nutrients to the greatest extent possible during processing while also improving its purity and stability.

Shea nut oil processing: key steps explained

Step 1: Pretreatment - Lay a good foundation and improve oil efficiency

The quality of raw materials directly affects the subsequent process results. In the pre-processing stage, we use a multi-stage screening system:

✅Cleaning sieve: removes large particles of impurities such as dust, straw, debris, etc. in the kernels

✅Gravity stone remover: uses density differences to separate heavy impurities such as stones and metals to prevent equipment wear.

✅Magnetic separator: removes ferromagnetic metals to ensure safety of subsequent pressing.

✅Double roller crusher: crushes the nuts to a suitable particle size (usually controlled at 2-4mm) to facilitate uniform heating during steaming and frying.

✅Steam cooker : Through precise temperature control and moisture regulation, it destroys the cell wall structure, activates enzyme activity, and significantly improves the squeezing efficiency.

Step 2: Pressing – Efficient extraction of shea nut

The pressing process is crucial to determining the quality of crude oil. QIE Group utilizes specialized screw oil presses, employing a physical extrusion method that is more natural and chemical-free than solvent extraction, making it suitable for producing high-value oils. This process is also combined with a decanter centrifuge to separate the water, oil, and residue phases. The crude oil is then filtered through a vertical vane filter to effectively remove impurities.

💡QIE Group's advantages:

• Low-temperature pressing technology reduces thermal oxidation and preserves the flavor and nutrition of the oil.
• Automated control​​ ensures stable pressing pressure and improves oil yield.

Step 3: Refining – Improving oil purity and stability​

Although crude oil has been successfully extracted, it contains impurities such as colloids, free fatty acids and pigments, and must be scientifically refined to reach edible or cosmetic grade standards. Refining includes the following steps:

1. Degumming : Add hot water to wash and remove phospholipid impurities;
2. Deacidification : Add alkali solution to remove free fatty acids, generate soap stock and separate;
3. Decolorization : Use activated white clay to adsorb pigments and complete decolorization under vacuum conditions;
4. Deodorization : High temperature steam removes odorous substances to ensure pure aroma.

💡 ​Features of refined shea nut:

• It is light in color and odorless , making it suitable for high-end skin care products and food applications.
• High oxidation stability , extending shelf life.

QIE Group offers one-stop turnkey engineering services: We not only provide customized shea nut oil production line equipment, seamlessly integrating pre-treatment, pressing, and refining, but also provide turnkey engineering services, including engineering design, equipment installation, and technical training, to ensure efficient operation of the production line.

If you are looking for an efficient and stable shea nut oil processing solution, or would like to learn about solutions to improve the efficiency of your shea nut oil production line, please contact us to start your shea butter production journey!