An African tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) whose nuts produce a butter-like fat used in cooking and cosmetics.
From Bambara si yiri meaning 'tree of life.' The word entered English through French explorers in West Africa in the 19th century, eventually becoming the standard term for this economically important tree.
Shea butter has been called 'women's gold' in Africa because the labor-intensive process of harvesting and processing shea nuts is traditionally done by women, providing crucial economic independence. A single shea tree can live and produce nuts for over 200 years, making it a multigenerational investment.
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