This article provides an overview of vegetable shortening, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make vegetable shortening substitutes.
What is Vegetable Shortening?
Vegetable shortening is any fat that is solid at room temperature. It is often used instead of butter and lard when baking or greasing pans. It is most frequently used when making pastries, as it results in the desired crumbly texture. Vegetable shortening grew in popularity throughout the 1900s due to its low cost and long shelf life.
What does Vegetable Shortening taste like?
Vegetable shortening is used for structural purposes only, it should not be eaten alone and should not add flavor to the recipe.
Is Vegetable Shortening readily available in Supermarkets?
Vegetable shortening should be readily available in supermarkets, it will often be found in the baked goods section or in the canned goods section, often near the oils.
What are some alternative names for Vegetable Shortening?
Vegetable shortening may be referred to as simply shortening, but this term is also used interchangeably with kinds of butter and lards. Vegetable shortening also may go by the popular brand name Crisco, particularly in the United States.
What is a good substitute for Vegetable Shortening in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for vegetable shortening. These include:
- Butter
- Lard
- Other oils (ideally neutral flavored oils) such as
- Vegetable Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil