Benefits
Heart Health
Versatility in Cooking
Vegan-Friendly
Low Cholesterol
Get creative with margarine
Margarine shines not just in spreading on toast but in a spectrum of creative uses
It can be a secret ingredient in vegan baking, offering a dairy-free alternative to butter that still imparts a rich, moist texture to cakes and cookies
In savory dishes, it transforms into a base for homemade vegan cheese, where its creamy texture and ability to solidify at cooler temperatures create perfect cheese blocks or spreads
Margarine also plays a pivotal role in pie crusts, where it can be used to achieve flaky, tender pastries without any animal products
Another inventive use is in sautéing and stir-frying; its high smoke point makes it an excellent medium for cooking at high temperatures, infusing dishes with flavor without burning
Lastly, it can be whisked into sauces and gravies to add body and richness, serving as a dairy-free way to achieve silky, smooth textures in classic recipes
Something you can make with margarine
Origin
Margarine was first developed in France in the 19th century as a butter substitute. It was created by a chemist named Hippolyte Mège-Mouriès in response to a challenge by Napoleon III to find a suitable alternative to butter for the French Navy and lower classes. Mège-Mouriès used animal fats such as beef tallow and milk to create a spread that resembled butter. The name 'margarine' comes from the Greek word 'margarites,' which means pearl, referring to its pearly appearance. Over time, the recipe for margarine has evolved, and today it is primarily made from vegetable oils and emulsifiers.
