FATS ARE OF TWO TYPES

(a) Hard Fats

1. They are true fats which are solid at room temperature of 20oC.
2. It is due to presence of long chain saturated fatty acids.
3. Animal fat is hard fat.
4. Vegetable ghee is also hard fat due to conversion of unsaturated fatty acids into saturated ones during hydrogenation of oil.
5. Butter and its ghee are semi-solid due to presence of more of short-chain fatty acids.

(b) Oils

1. They are true fats which are liquid at room temperature of 20oC.
2. The reason is the presence of unsaturated fatty acids which have low melting points.
3. Edible oils are got from a number of seeds, e.g., Sunflower, Safflower, Mustard, Rape Seed, Cotton Seed & Groundnut.
4. Castor seed also yields an oil which is nonedible.
5. It is mainly used as purgative and lubricant.
6. Edible oils are often refined before use.