Mafura butter

What is Mafura Butter

Also known as Natal Mahogany oil or Cape mahogany oil

Scientific name: Trichilia Emetica. Trichilia is derived from greek meaning tricho or 3 referring to the 3 lobed fruits. Emetica means it has properties that can cause vomiting.

The word 'Mafura' is of Bantu origin and means 'oil'

Origin: Southern and Eastern Africa – Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Swaziland, Cameroon, Sudan, Uganda

The butter is made from the kernel of the seed of the Mafura tree. One tree can produce around 20 liters and grow up to 35 meters

Although there are different ways of producing Mafura butter.This is one of the more well known ways:

The fruits are are harvested and the seeds are extracted and dehusked.

The seed yields two types of oil, one from the flesh layer and one from the kernel layer, the latter of which is the mafura butter. The kernel is extracted from the seed in different ways, by hand or mechanically. And the kernels are pressed. With the screw pressed method the butter is colourful and fragrant. When it is pressed hydaulically it is less fragrant and lighter in colour.

Texture: Thick and dense. Solid at room temperature.

Smell: Nutty, earthy

Edible: The fruit itself is edible, but the butter from the kernel is not, it has emetic properties and is incredibly bitter.

As with any butter it is rich in fatty acids, which is nourishing.
When whipped it becomes a fluffy, spreadable butter suitable for hair and skin. It can be used as is, or it can be mixed with other oils in a recipe

Shelf-life: 2-3 years, depending on how it is stored. Keep it tightly sealed in a dry, cool place. After whipping it does have a shorter shelf life. 

Uses: Body and hair care. Plain or mixed into recipes. Functions as a moisturizer and emollient. Can be used as a body butter, deep conditioner or mask for hair or as a hot oil treatment. Has been used internally for rheumatism. Can be used in the place of Shea butter and cocoa butter

Benefits: Good for dry, itchy flaky skin and scalp. Coats moisturizes and strengthens hair. Functions as an emollient, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

 Assists with the skins natural healing process, it helps reconstruct the epidermis and therefore helps heal skin ailments. It forms a protective barrier on your skin. It nourishes and strengthens skin and hair. 

My very own Basic Butter: organic, unrefined, whipped Mafura butter from Mozambique.