Guest guest Posted May 2, 2004 Report Share Posted May 2, 2004 Hi Everyone Here's hoping that some list members can shed some light on an issue that has me almost tearing my hair out:-( I've been trying to get to the bottom of what makes shea butter's tendency to graininess in some products, without much luck. I've found lots of information and anecdotal evidence, but much of it contradicts other information out there. Some sites advise tempering the shea ie heating to a certain temperature and then holding it at that temp for a specified period. Others say not to do this and that the heat will promote graininess. Others suggest a rapid cool down period. Rapid cooling down isn't an option for me since it doesn't lend itself well to large production runs and we are on solar power, so using a freezer is outside our abilities. So in an effort to truly solve this issue, I would be ever grateful if anyone knows the answer to the following questions: 1. How much difference is there between refined vs unrefined shea butter in the tendency toward graininess? 2. Is there a method to exclude graininess in the finished product if you are making balms as opposed to products with a water phase? 3. Is there a correct order of adding ingredients when making a balm that will prevent graininess ie melting beeswax first, then adding carrier oils than finally shea, as opposed to melting and tempering shea, adding beeswax then finally carrier oils? 4. Any other advice? Thanks in advance, and if you can solve this for me I'll be ever in your debt:-) Vicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2004 Report Share Posted May 2, 2004 Hi Vicki, I've been very picky on where I buy my shea. When I first started making soap I bought refined shea, but soon learned that I love unrefined shea better. The first time I bought unrefined, it was gritty. I put it in the microwave and cooked it at 170 degrees for 5 minutes and then put it in the freezer and it was fine. But, I never bought from that person again. The only person I will ever buy my unrefined shea is from Margie at Hill Country Haiku. I don't mean to sound like a walking ad for her, but I have never had any type with her shea. It has never been grainy, overly smoky or dark green. It is a wonderful shea that I don't have to temper and it works great in my soaps, lotions, creams, everything. I can't say anything better about her shea except that it really is wonderful. HTH, Nikie Brown After The Rayne - Handmade Soaps and Toiletries nbrown http://www.aftertherayne.com 936-203-3188 Vicki Younger [vicki] Saturday, May 01, 2004 7:37 PM Shea and graininess Hi Everyone Here's hoping that some list members can shed some light on an issue that has me almost tearing my hair out:-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2004 Report Share Posted May 2, 2004 Hi Nikie And thanks. You have so many suppliers to choose from in the US, but there aren't too many different sources in Australia. I fear the freight would be a killer, not to mention customs duty if I was planning to bring in a reasonable quantity myself. > freezer and it was fine. But, I never bought from that person again. The > only person I will ever buy my unrefined shea is from Margie at > Hill Country And I've heard great things about Margie's shea, I'm only sorry I'm not in a position to buy from her and make it viable:-(( I'll check out her prices and shipping rates all the same. Vicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2004 Report Share Posted May 2, 2004 Hi, Vicki. Quite a while back I had received a couple of samples of Shea Butter, both refined and unrefined, from Rainbow Meadow. http://www.rainbowmeadow.com/. Neither one was gritty. Look in the online catalog under carrier oils. I don't know if you can get a sample, but they are reasonably priced. Hope this helps. Love and light, Angela. www.boulderhealers.com RE: Shea and graininess > > Vicki Younger [vicki] > Saturday, May 01, 2004 7:37 PM > > Shea and graininess > > > Hi Everyone > > Here's hoping that some list members can shed some light on an issue that > has me almost tearing my hair out:-( > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2004 Report Share Posted May 3, 2004 www.houstoncandlesupply.com has high quality of unrefined shea butter not gritty or grainy she has it on sale for $5.00 lb 5# min it is great stuff .No melting down to work with Angela Crisafulli <angelmama1 wrote: Hi, Vicki. Quite a while back I had received a couple of samples of Shea Butter, both refined and unrefined, from Rainbow Meadow. http://www.rainbowmeadow.com/. Neither one was gritty. Look in the online catalog under carrier oils. I don't know if you can get a sample, but they are reasonably priced. Hope this helps. Love and light, Angela. www.boulderhealers.com RE: Shea and graininess > > Vicki Younger [vicki] > Saturday, May 01, 2004 7:37 PM > > Shea and graininess > > > Hi Everyone > > Here's hoping that some list members can shed some light on an issue that > has me almost tearing my hair out:-( > > > > Step By Step Instructions On Making Rose Petal Preserves: http://www.av-at.com/stuff/rosejam.html To adjust your group settings (i.e. go no mail) see the following link: /join Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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