Whether you're baking flaky pastries or frying crispy treats, shortening is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your dishes. But what exactly is shortening? Let’s dive in! What is shortening? Shortening is solid type of fat that's used to create that tender and flaky texture in pastries, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. It’s typically made from vegetable oils, such as soybean, cottonseed, or palm oil, [...]

Grapeseed oil has gained popularity in recent years, but what exactly is it and how do people use it? We have a lot to cover, so let's get started! What is grapeseed oil? Grapeseed oil is actually made from the seeds of grapes, as the name suggests. It's a byproduct of the winemaking process and has gained popularity in recent years due to its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and versatility. Grapeseed oil [...]

I always keep a bottle of sesame oil in my pantry for Asian dressings, sauces, and marinades. It adds this rich, umami flavor like nothing else. But what exactly is sesame oil? What is sesame oil? Sesame oil is a type of oil derived from sesame seeds. Those little seeds are tiny but flavorful! Sesame seeds are pressed to extract sesame oil, which has a distinct nutty flavor and a characteristic aroma. The color [...]

While we all know that we should include a regular amount of fruit in our diets, we don't think much about the oils that come from the fruit we eat. Today we're talking about blueberry seed oil, but what is it and why is it worth a conversation? Blueberry seed oil is a carrier oil that is high in antioxidants and Omega-3. It's popular when used in cosmetics for anti-ageing purposes, as a moisturizer, and also in hair-care [...]

Borage oil has been used for many years in traditional medicine to help reduce pain and soothe inflammation - but what is it and what are its primary benefits/uses? Extracted from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant, borage oil is a popular herbal oil that is typically used for skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis. It is generally combined with other carrier oils such as almond oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil [...]

We've all heard of broccoli, and probably consume it at least occasionally in our diets due to its fiber-rich benefits. But have you heard of broccoli seed oil? Broccoli seed oil is an oil rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids and is produced by cold-pressing the seeds of broccoli sprouts. It is commonly used in the beauty industry as a natural alternative to silicones, as it helps to smooth out the skin and revive your [...]