Vegetable Shortening, Munkkirasva?

[raumagal]

I have a recipe that calls for vegetable shortening (Crisco). I saw both kookosrasva and the munkkirasva in the store today. Are they pretty much the same as vegetable shortening or at least an acceptable substitute?

Thanks!

[Jukka Aho]

I have a recipe that calls for vegetable shortening (Crisco). I saw both kookosrasva and the munkkirasva in the store today. Are they pretty much the same as vegetable shortening or at least an acceptable substitute?

As I understand it, the Finnish term for the stuff is kovetettu kasvirasva, or paistorasva by more generic name, and it’s primarily available as an industrial product here – in something like 5kg or 10kg bulk packages from the wholesalers...

I’ve never bought munkkirasva myself so I don’t know what it’s like. It might be the same thing, of course. Did you check out the ingredients? (The coconut stuff – kookosrasva – might give an unwanted flavor.)

Here’s a product catalog for industrial/professional cooking that lists a product called “Atria paistorasva” (20kg!)

Here’s a thread that mentions a product called “Kokki-paistorasva”, which, according to the poster, is solid in room temperature and good for deep-frying donuts (munkkis). (Sounds pretty much what you’re looking for, methinks. I have no idea about the availability, though.)

Here’s another thread where someone is asking about the same thing, but no-one can suggest any commonly available consumer product (other than kookosrasva, which might not be ideal.)

This page seems to list several products for industrial cooking and baking – some of which would probably fit the bill – but they’re only available in industrial package sizes.

[raumagal]

Thanks for all the info!!

I checked the coconut fat but I thought maybe that was a bit different so didn't get it. I bought the donut fat and it says "paistorasva" and that it is "osittain kovetettu" which is partially hardened?

[Jukka Aho]

I checked the coconut fat but I thought maybe that was a bit different so didn't get it. I bought the donut fat and it says "paistorasva" and that it is "osittain kovetettu" which is partially hardened?

Yep, that’s what it means. Or partially hydrogenated. Related links:

• Shortening
• Hydrogenated oils
• Trans fats / Chemistry
• Hydrogenation in the food industry

[Rosamunda]

Foods containing artificial trans fats formed by partially hydrogenating plant fats may contain up to 45% trans fat compared to their total fat.[20] Baking shortenings generally contain 30% trans fats compared to their total fats, while animal fats from ruminants such as butter contain up to 4%. Those margarines not reformulated to reduce trans fats may contain up to 15% trans fat by weight.

Evil stuff.

[raumagal]

Excellent information, thanks!

Penelope I was thinking the same thing when I checked out those links.
Thankfully I don't use it too often!

[Desundial]

Back at Tgiving I made some pies and used: Raisio, Kultasula, Munkin-paistorasva

Sure looked like block shortening to me. And yes, have the 500g block (less a few) right here! Still. 'Cause as has been said...not the nicests stuff for your body, but it sure does make a flaky pie crust.

[enk]

psst, I've never had a problem making good, flaky pie crust using butter

-enk

[mCowboy]

Foods containing artificial trans fats formed by partially hydrogenating plant fats may contain up to 45% trans fat compared to their total fat.[20] Baking shortenings generally contain 30% trans fats compared to their total fats, while animal fats from ruminants such as butter contain up to 4%. Those margarines not reformulated to reduce trans fats may contain up to 15% trans fat by weight.

Evil stuff.

according to the recent study by some gov't body, none of the Finnish margarines do not contain any transfats. It was done after the outrage about transfats in the US.

[Hank W.]

The only transfats are those found in meat. Namely the old dairy cows sold as young ox fillet

[raumagal]

What do Finns typically use paistorasva for (besides donuts)?