noun
Refers to solid vegetable fat used in baking and pastry to create a crumbly or flaky texture.
クッキーを作るときはバターの代わりにショートニングを使うとサクサクになる。
When making cookies, using shortening instead of butter makes them crispy.
Butter is a dairy product with a distinct flavor, while shortening is a flavorless vegetable fat that yields a different texture.
Margarine is a butter substitute often used as a spread, whereas shortening is primarily used in baking for its high melting point and texture.
Loanword from English 'shortening', referring to fat that 'shortens' gluten strands in dough.