If you’ve ever followed a baking recipe that called for shortening, you might have wondered—what exactly is shortening, and what makes vegetable shortening different? As the brand that’s been trusted in kitchens for generations, Crisco® is here to set the record straight.
Shortening: the Breakdown
Shortening is a type of fat that remains solid at room temperature and is commonly used in baking and frying. It helps create tender, flaky textures in pastries, cookies, and pie crusts. The term “shortening” historically referred to any fat used for this purpose, including butter and lard, but today, it often means vegetable shortening.
So, What Is Vegetable Shortening?
Vegetable shortening is a plant-based fat. Vegetable Shortening contains 0 grams of Trans fat and 50% less saturated fat than butter. It has a long shelf life and a neutral flavor that doesn’t interfere with the taste of your recipes. Unlike butter or lard, vegetable shortening contains no water or dairy, making it a versatile option for dairy-free baking and cooking.
How Is Vegetable Shortening Used?
Vegetable shortening is a staple in many kitchens thanks to its versatility. Here’s how it enhances various recipes:
- Baking: Vegetable shortening creates soft, tender cookies, cakes, and pastries. It’s particularly famous for making ultra-flaky pie crusts and crisp-edged cookies.
- Frying: Because of its high smoke point, vegetable shortening is excellent for deep-frying. It allows food to cook evenly and develop a crispy, golden exterior without absorbing too much oil.
- Cooking: Some savory recipes use vegetable shortening for sautéing or as a substitute for butter in dairy-free dishes.
Is Vegetable Shortening the Same as Crisco®?
Crisco® is the leading brand of all-vegetable shortening that has been a kitchen staple since 1911. While there are other vegetable shortening brands, Crisco® is known for its high-quality ingredients and reliability in recipes. If a recipe calls for shortening, Crisco® is a trusted choice.
Summer Frying with Vegetable Shortening
If you love crispy fried foods, summer is the perfect time to try frying with vegetable shortening. With its high smoke point, Crisco® makes it easy to create crispy fried chicken, golden doughnuts, or even homemade French fries. Plus, its neutral flavor lets your ingredients shine.
Vegetable shortening is a versatile fat that’s perfect for baking, frying, and more. Whether you’re making flaky pastries or crispy fried foods, Crisco® has been the go-to all-vegetable shortening for generations. Now that you know what vegetable shortening is, it’s time to get cooking! Check out our recipes to get started.
