Shortening
A solid fat made from vegetable oils, such as soybean and cottonseed oil, which have been hydrogenated to create a solid. This process creates trans fatty acids which turns polyunsaturated fats into saturated fats. Vegetable shortening is virtually flavorless, and is used to make baked goods light and flaky. Crisco is a popular brand of vegetable shortening.
Season
available year-round
How to store
At room temperature for up to a year.
Substitutions
copha, lard, butter, margarine