The shea nuts are brown, oval-shaped, and rich in oil containing up to 55% fat which makes them ideal for producing shea butter. They are harvested between May and August, mostly by rural women, and processed through drying, roasting, milling, and boiling to extract the butter. Beyond its cosmetic and food uses, shea nut plays an important socio-economic role in Africa, especially for women in rural communities who rely on its production for income. Nigeria is one of the largest producers of shea nuts, with major harvesting regions in Kwara, Niger, Oyo, and Kaduna. Shea products are graded based on quality, with Grade A being unrefined and best for skincare.