What Is the Name Used for Plant Fats Quizlet

Plant fats are essential to human nutrition and are present in a variety of foods we consume daily. They are commonly known as vegetable oils and are extracted from plants such as soybean, corn, and canola. However, they are also known under other names that are often used interchangeably. In this article, we will explore the different names used for plant fats quizlet.

1. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is the most commonly used name for plant fats. It is a generic term that encompasses all types of oils extracted from seeds, nuts, and fruits. The name vegetable oil was coined in the late 19th century to differentiate plant-based oils from animal fats, which were the primary source of fat at the time. Today, vegetable oils are widely used for cooking, baking, and frying due to their neutral flavor and high smoke point.

2. Cooking Oil

Cooking oil is another name used for plant fats. As the name suggests, it is primarily used for cooking purposes. It includes both vegetable oils and animal-based oils such as lard and tallow. However, in recent years, the term cooking oil has been predominantly used to refer to vegetable oils due to their perceived health benefits over animal-based oils.

3. Frying Oil

Frying oil is a specialized type of cooking oil used specifically for frying food. It has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures required for frying without breaking down and producing harmful compounds. Plant-based oils such as canola, soybean, and sunflower oils are commonly used as frying oils due to their high smoke point and neutral flavor.

4. Salad Oil

Salad oil is a term used to refer to light-tasting vegetable oils used in salad dressings and other cold dishes. It includes oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil, as well as some plant-based oils commonly used for cooking such as soybean and canola oil. The name salad oil originated in the early 20th century when vegetable oils began to replace animal-based oils in salad dressings.

In conclusion, plant fats, also known as vegetable oils, have several names that are commonly used interchangeably. These include vegetable oil, cooking oil, frying oil, and salad oil. While these names may refer to slightly different uses or specific types of plant fats, they all share the same nutritional and culinary benefits. It is important to choose high-quality plant-based oils for use in cooking and baking to reap their full health benefits.