What is hydrogenated vegetable shortening?
Hydrogenated vegetable shortening is a vegetable oil that has been converted to a solid by the industrial process of hydrogenation. It is often referred to simply as vegetable shortening.Types of OilVegetable shortening is usually made from inexpensive oils like cotton seed or soybean. Crisco is a popular American brand of vegetable shortening.Hydrogenation ProcessOils are naturally liquid at room temperature. When hydrogen is added, it becomes solid.Taste and TextureHydrogenated vegetable oil itself has a bland, neutral taste, but can be flavored for spreads like margarine.PurposeOils are hydrogenated to increase shelf life and maintain flavor stability, according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Crisco can be left unrefrigerated for up to a year.UsesHydrogenated oils are used for baking products such as pies, cookies, pastries and cakes.
