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Agro IndustriesShea Butter Manufacturer, Nigeria
Glossary

Iodine Value

Also written as: IV, iodine number, iodine index

Summary

Iodine value (IV) is the grams of iodine absorbed by 100 grams of fat, a measure of how many unsaturated (double) bonds the fatty acids contain. Higher values mean more unsaturation, a softer texture and greater sensitivity to oxidation.

Shea sits in the middle of the vegetable-fat range because oleic and stearic acids dominate. With saponification value and refractive index it completes the identity triad; a jump in iodine value points to blending with a liquid oil. The usual method is Wijs, AOCS Cd 1-25.

Saponification Value

Saponification value is the milligrams of potassium hydroxide (KOH) needed to saponify one…

Refractive Index

Refractive index (RI) is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to its speed in a sub…

Peroxide Value (PV)

Peroxide value (PV) measures the primary oxidation products (peroxides and hydroperoxides)…

Slip Melting Point

Slip melting point (SMP) is the temperature at which a column of solidified fat in an open…

Full explainer: Iodine Value

Iodine value as an unsaturation and identity check.

Part of the shea butter glossary · Complete guide to shea butter

Last reviewed September 2026 by EMI Agro Industries QC team.