What 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. Many shortenings are also superglycerinated, making them ideal for baking applications where a solid fat is needed, especially for flaky pastries and cakes containing more sugar then flour.