How to care for raw shea butter in a hot climate

Why it melts, why it grainy, and why neither means it has gone bad.

Raw shea butter melts at body temperature, so in an Accra afternoon it will soften and sometimes turn to oil. That is normal. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from the stove, and it will set again overnight.

Graininess happens when the butter cools unevenly. It is harmless. If the texture bothers you, warm the jar in a bowl of warm water and stir until smooth, then let it set in a cool place.

Use clean, dry fingers or a small spoon. Water in the jar shortens its life. Unrefined shea keeps for about a year; if it smells sharply rancid rather than nutty, replace it.

For newborn massage, warm a small amount between your palms first. A little goes much further than most people expect.

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