[email protected] wrote:
> Is it true that margarine does not spoil? If so, why not?
>
> Ora
>
Margarine is a mixture of partially-hydrogenated oils and water. Like butter, it is about 1/3 water.
Oil is degraded by oxygen, moisture, heat, and light.
I believe the water separates out of soft margarines at room temperature, but not out of stick
margarines.
Liquid oils can be stored at room temperature because they don't contain water.
Partial hydrogenation protects oil from oxidation (rancidity). It also generates trans fats, which
causes blockage of arteries.
Eating lots of partially-hydogenated oils (especially in stick margarines, boxed doughnuts, and deep-
fried french fries) is one of the most popular ways to shorten a life by 5, 10, or 20 years.