What is crisco shortening?

Crisco shortening is a brand of vegetable shortening that was introduced in 1911 by Procter & Gamble. It is made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, typically soybean and palm oil. Crisco shortening is commonly used in baking recipes to create a flaky and tender texture, particularly in pie crusts and biscuits. It is also used as a substitute for butter or margarine in recipes to create a vegan or dairy-free option. Crisco shortening is known for its long shelf life and high smoke point, making it a popular choice for frying foods. However, it has also been controversial due to the health risks associated with consuming partially hydrogenated oils, which can lead to high cholesterol, heart disease, and obesity. In response to these concerns, Crisco announced in 2004 that it would begin producing a trans-fat-free version of its product.