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Beneath the skin of the shea fruit is a thin layer of yellowish-green pulp that softens as the fruits ripen. In the center is a large, smooth brown, nut with a rough spot the size of a thumbprint. The pulp is mildly sweet like mango with the texture of a ripe pear.
Shea fruits are rich in carbohydrates, protein and fat as well as potassium and antioxidant phenols. They also contain vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and zinc.