What exactly are shortenings?

Shortenings are plant oils that have been hydrogenated to make them more solid and pliable. Soybean oil is the major source of hydrogenated shortening and serves as a common frying oil. In the manufacture of shortenings, the soybean oil is hydrogenated until it reaches a solid consistency and then whipped or pumped with air to improve plasticity and give it a white color. Read more »