Shea Nut (Vitellaria paradoxa) is the seed found within the fruit of the shea tree, native to West and East Africa. The shea tree is a large, slow-growing tree that produces small, yellowish flowers and fruits that contain a single seed, known as the shea nut. The nut is encased in a green, fleshy outer fruit that ripens to a yellow color when harvested. After the fruit is removed, the shea nut is extracted and processed to obtain shea butter, a fat that is widely used in cosmetics and skincare products.

The shea nut itself has a hard, woody shell, and the kernel inside contains oils and fats that are the source of the well-known shea butter. While the primary use of shea nuts is for extracting butter, they are also consumed in some African regions. The nuts can be roasted and ground to make a paste that is used as a food ingredient, particularly in sauces or as a cooking oil, although this is less common outside of local traditions.

While shea nuts are generally safe for most people, they can cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to nuts. Ingesting large quantities of shea nuts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, and excessive use of shea butter, derived from the nuts, can lead to clogged pores in individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Additionally, shea nuts should be processed carefully to remove any impurities before use in both food and cosmetics.