Food Products With Cottonseed Oil

Cottonseed oil is extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant. It is considered America’s original vegetable oil. Until the 1940s, it was the most-produced vegetable oil. As one of the purest oils refined it is able to hold onto its nutritional properties. Today it ranks only third in use behind soybean and corn oil. Cottonseed oil is an ingredient in several food products.

Salad Dressing and Mayonnaise

• Cottonseed oil is a major ingredient in salad dressings and mayonnaise. It has a mildly nutty taste and is clear to light brown in color; the color changes according to the refining. Also, for the health conscience, it is low in saturated fats, making it a healthy ingredient in dressings and mayonnaise.

Cooking Oil

• Cottonseed oil is being used more widely today as a cooking oil due to its being one of the most unsaturated oils. According to the National Cottonseed Products Association, about 36 percent of cottonseed oil is used in baking and frying fats. Also high in antioxidants, this oil is a healthier choice when used as a cooking oil.

Shortening and Margarine

• The stability of cottonseed oil makes it ideal for its use in shortening and margarine. Shortening and margarine made with cottonseed oil hold up well when used in baking. Cottonseed oil’s antioxidants and fluctuating levels of vitamin E allow products made with this oil to have a longer shelf life than other products.