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My Reward PointsThe texture, nutrients, and safety of shea butter are all preserved with proper storage. Keep it sealed in a cool, dry, dark place, away from heat, light, and moisture, as these factors cause melting, degradation, and spoilage. Water and bacteria can lead to rancidity and reduced benefits. This content explains how to store shea butter, the causes of spoilage, the importance of storage, correct methods, and signs of spoiled shea butter.
What Causes Shea Butter to Spoil?
Proper storage can prolong the shelf life of shea butter, which deteriorates due to oxidation and moisture contamination, resulting in rancidity. Here are the various reasons for its spoilage:
1. Incorrect Container
Using the wrong container can lead to shea butter deterioration, primarily through oxidation and contamination. The optimal container is an airtight, UV-protective jar (preferably glass), and poor alternatives can diminish its shelf life.
2. Excess Moisture
The main factor causing shea butter to deteriorate is too much moisture. Because shea butter is a natural fat with no synthetic preservatives, water contamination can promote the growth of mould and germs.
3. Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can degrade shea butter. Exposure to direct light, and heat increases natural oxidation, altering the chemical structure of the butter and causing it to become rancid over time.
4. Exposure to Heat
Shea butter may degrade prematurely if exposed to high temperatures. Heat and light increase the oxidation process, altering the chemical structure of the butter and causing it to go rancid over time.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Proper shea butter storage prevents oxidation, rancidity, bacteria, and nutrient loss, preserving texture, moisturising benefits, and extending shelf life. Here is why it is important:
1. Prevents Oxidation and Rancidity
Shea body butter should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry airtight container (glass or high-quality plastic) to preserve vitamins and fatty acids. This is how to preserve shea butter to prevent oxidation and rancidity.
2. Retains Smooth Creamy Texture
Proper storage in a cold, dry, and dark environment is critical to preventing temperature variations that cause shea butter to become gritty and lose its smooth, creamy quality.
3. Avoids Grainy and Lumpy Consistency
Avoiding grainy and lumpy shea butter requires proper storage, especially at a stable and low temperature. Temperature fluctuations cause butter's fatty acids to melt and re-solidify at variable speeds, forming crystals and graininess.
4. Preserves Natural Vitamins & Aroma
Shea butter must be stored properly to retain its natural vitamins and distinctive nutty/smoky scent. Heat, light, air, and moisture can all increase oxidation, causing the butter to lose its healthful characteristics and become rancid.
5. Extends Shelf Life
Proper storage extends shea butter’s shelf life up to 18–24 months by preventing oxidation and contamination, using airtight containers, using cool, dark conditions, avoiding moisture, heat, and sunlight and ensuring clean handling.
How to Store Shea Butter Safely
To store shea butter safely, keep it in a cool, dark, dry place in a tightly sealed container (glass is ideal) to prevent oxidation and contamination, scoop with clean, dry hands or spatulas to avoid moisture and bacteria, and keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve texture and properties. Refrigeration is a method in warmer climes to prevent melting, but it does stiffen the butter.
How to Store Raw Unrefined Shea Butter
To preserve raw, unrefined shea butter, keep it at the proper temperature (ideal 10 to 20 degrees). Wrap in Saran Wrap, zip lock bag, or an airtight container, and store in a cool, dry location. Depending on how frequently you use it, a fridge or freezer would be the best option. Do not leave unused unrefined shea butter in the sun or near sources of heat.
Do not microwave unrefined shea butter in any type of plastic. Always use glass or stainless steel containers over the hob. This is how to store raw, unrefined shea butter.
Signs Your Shea Butter Has Gone Bad
If your shea butter develops a rancid, sour, or vinegary odour instead of its usual nutty/smoky aroma, changes colour (such as becoming greyish or brownish), or develops a grainy/gritty texture, it's time to discard it; these signs indicate spoilage, often caused by moisture or contamination, and mean it's time to discard it, though well-made shea butter can last for years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper storage of shea butter is essential to maintain its texture, nutrients, and shelf life, as exposure to moisture, heat and light can lead to spoilage and rancidity. If you follow the recommended storage practices, you can ensure that your shea butter will continue to be effective and beneficial for a period of time ranging from 18 to 24 months.
FAQs
Q. Why does my whipped shea butter melt and deflate?
Whipped shea butter melts and deflates from heat, low melting point, improper whipping, or missing stabilisers, causing airy structure collapse during warming. So knowing how to store whipped shea butter is vital.
Q. Can I add preservatives to shea butter?
Preservatives are needed when shea butter contains water; pure shea butter mainly needs antioxidants, though optional preservatives add extra protection.
Q. Can shea butter be stored in the refrigerator?
Shea butter keeps well in the fridge. Shea butter hardens in freezing temperatures, therefore this is possible. Refrigerate the Shea butter you don't use daily if you have a lot.
Q. How long does shea butter last?
Shea butter has a lengthy shelf life, often 1 to 2 years, with unrefined versions lasting roughly 24 months and refined versions lasting 37 months or longer.
Q. Should shea butter be kept away from sunlight?
Shea butter should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent melting, oxidation, and loss of therapeutic components.
