The shea kernel is a hard-brown shell that needs to be cracked in order to reach the fatty kernel. To extract the valuable oil-rich shea kernel, the fleshy tart fruit portion is removed to reveal the hard-shelled kernel. After collection, the kernels of the shea tree are then boiled, dried and processed by crushing and grinding, to obtain the buttery texture we know (shea butter), which is widely used in personal care & cosmetics as moisturizer, salve or lotion and in food preparation.