Nuts

Whole

Whole shea nut means the intact harvested product of the seed of Vitellaria paradoxa from African savannah parklands as traded in-shell or as unbroken shelled units. Buying whole gives control over roasting and grind size compared with pre-ground meal of unknown age. When cracked fresh, flavour should be shea butter for food is mild and fatty; much global shea is cosmetic, but edible grades exist in regional cooking. Geographic story: West and Central African shea belt. Kitchen uses include West African soups and frying fats, plus edible refined shea in some food industries. Handling: women-led traditional collection and butter processing remain culturally central. Storage: butter keeps cool and sealed; kernels are intermediate goods. Specify edible vs cosmetic shea for kitchen use; not all retail shea is sold as food. Allergen: tree-derived fat; food vs cosmetic grades differ. In comparison terms, valued as butter more than as a cocktail snack kernel. Reject mouldy, insect-damaged, or paint-smelling lots before they enter pastry.