Organic Shortening

[chefbec]

I just read in my Vegetarian Times that they've come out with a new organic shortening with no animal fats. I've never used regular shortening due to the "bad" type of fat, so I'm quite excited about this. Has anyone out there tried this yet?

[funnybone]

Hmmm, my understanding was the Shortening was vegetarian, while Lard is animal.

[LGBurns]

Originally posted by funnybone:
Hmmm, my understanding was the Shortening was vegetarian, while Lard is animal.



That's correct--shortening is hydrogenated vegetable oil. I wonder if the organic is not hydrogenated. It is highly possible that it is simply made from organic vegetables and is still hydrogenated--in which case it's not much better for you than regular, other than being organic. I haven't read this article or anything about organic shortening; I'm just guessing.

[This message has been edited by LGBurns (edited 05-30-2001).]

[lorilei]

I believe one of the new organic shortening products out on the market is made by SPECTRUM ORGANIC PRODUCTS.

The shortening is nonhydrogenated and trans fat free. It's made from certified-organic palm oil and has less saturated fat than butter. It is all-vegetable, cholesterol free and non-GMO.

[chefbec]

Yes, that's the one. Sorry for my mistake. Anyway, I guess maybe it's so new that no one has tried it yet! This is the first I'd heard of it, so I'll look for it at the health food store.

[LGBurns]

Ahhh, that makes sense: thanks lorelei. I've tried Spectrum's margarine and it's pretty good so I wouldn't be surprised if the shortening is good too.