The fruits are then de-pulped by washing vigorously in water. In some areas, the fruit is buried until the flesh rots, this makes it easier to de-pulp the fruits and the heat generated prevents germination.

We the boil the nuts for about 20 minutes, dry in the sun, crack the husk and winnow to remove the chaff. The nuts are then sun dried to reduce the water content. And we are left with the beautiful brown nuts in the picture.

The nuts are manually crushed on flat stones by the women, This reduces it into smaller chunks ready for roasting

The crushed nuts are roasted over open wood fire till hot. I is ready for the next stage when you see the oil clear shining out and you can smell the unique smell of shea butter. It is then ready for milling.

The roasted nuts are taken to the mill where the men help out. It is finely milled to thick paste ready for the kneading process.