A Look at the Core Ingredient
At its most basic, Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil is made from soybean oil. This is different from the original Crisco product, which was a solid shortening introduced in 1911 and originally made from hydrogenated cottonseed oil. The company later expanded its product line to include a liquid vegetable oil, which has a distinct composition and function compared to its solid shortening counterpart. This differentiation is important for home cooks and bakers, as the two products are not always interchangeable for certain recipes.
The Production Process for Pure Vegetable Oil
Unlike its solid shortening sibling, Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil is not hydrogenated to become solid. The production process for this liquid oil focuses on refining the soybean oil to create a consistent, clear product with a neutral taste. The steps typically include:
- Extraction: Oil is separated from the soybeans. This is often done using a solvent-based extraction method to maximize yield.
- Refining: The extracted crude oil is then refined to remove impurities, free fatty acids, and phospholipids. This process improves the oil's stability and extends its shelf life.
- Bleaching: The oil is treated with filtering agents to remove color pigments and other impurities, resulting in a clear, light-colored oil.
- Deodorizing: A final step that removes any volatile compounds that could give the oil a strong flavor or odor, leaving it with a neutral profile suitable for all-purpose cooking.
Crisco Shortening vs. Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil
It is common for consumers to confuse Crisco shortening with Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil. While both are plant-based, their composition, texture, and best uses are quite different.
Shortening: A Solid Product
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening is a solid at room temperature and is made from a blend of oils, often including soybean oil, fully hydrogenated palm oil, and palm oil. The hydrogenation process (or modern interesterification process) is what gives the shortening its solid texture and specific properties, such as creating flaky baked goods. It is often used for pie crusts, biscuits, and frying applications where a solid fat is preferred.
Pure Vegetable Oil: A Liquid Product
Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil, as the name suggests, is a liquid oil. Because it is not hydrogenated, it remains in its liquid state and is suitable for different cooking methods. Its primary ingredient, soybean oil, gives it a neutral flavor that doesn't overpower the other components of a dish.
Comparison Table: Crisco Oil vs. Crisco Shortening
| Feature | Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil | Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Form | Liquid | Solid at room temperature |
| Main Ingredient | Soybean Oil | Soybean oil, palm oil, fully hydrogenated palm oil |
| Processing | Refined, bleached, deodorized | Interesterified and/or fully hydrogenated |
| Best For | Sautéing, frying, baking cakes/muffins | Pie crusts, flaky pastries, frying |
| Impact on Texture | Creates a denser, moister crumb in baking | Creates a tender, flaky, and crumbly texture in baked goods |
| Flavor Profile | Neutral/Light | Neutral |
Health Considerations and Modern Formulations
For many years, Crisco and other vegetable shortenings came under fire for containing trans fats due to the partial hydrogenation process. In response to health concerns and regulations, modern Crisco formulations are now trans fat-free per serving. The company achieves a similar solid texture in its shortening through a process called interesterification, which rearranges the fatty acids without creating trans fats.
However, health experts still note that Crisco, both the oil and the shortening, is a highly processed fat source. While the trans fats are gone, the product is still high in calories and saturated fat (in the shortening). Nutritionists recommend a balanced diet and suggest moderation, especially when using highly processed fats. Healthier alternatives like olive oil and avocado oil are often cited for their nutritional benefits, though they may not perform the same way in certain recipes.
A Word on the 'Pure' Designation
Some consumers question what 'Pure' means in Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil. In this context, it primarily means the oil consists of a single type of oil—in this case, soybean oil—and is not a blend of multiple different oils, unlike some other vegetable oil products. It is a marketing term that distinguishes it from blended oils or other fat products under the Crisco brand, such as the solid shortening.
Conclusion
So, what is Crisco Pure vegetable oil made of? It is refined soybean oil, a liquid fat distinct from Crisco's solid vegetable shortening. While both are useful in the kitchen, their ingredients and processing methods are different, leading to varied applications and results. Understanding this key difference is essential for choosing the right fat for your cooking and baking needs. The product has evolved significantly over its history, moving away from trans fats, but it remains a processed item best used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
For more information on the history and controversy surrounding Crisco's formulation, you can read the NPR article on the topic.
