All About Kosher Food

Kosher foods are those that have been prepared using Jewish dietary laws that have been taken from Biblical law and rabbinical extensions.  Certain foods are off limits, and those that are not off limits must be prepared in a certain way in order for them to be considered kosher.

Forbidden Foods

According to Jewish dietary laws, certain foods are off limits. These include pork, rabbit, eagle, owl, catfish, sturgeon, insects and reptiles. Any foods that come into contact with these are no longer kosher.

Kosher Foods

Jewish dietary law states that only animals with split hooves and that chew their own cud may be eaten. These animals cannot have died from natural causes or by other animals. They must be disease-free and slaughtered using a ritual called shechitah. This method is painless and ensures the complete draining of blood. The blood must be drained or boiled from the animal before it is served in order for it to be considered kosher. Fish with scales are considered kosher, while shellfish are not. Meat cannot be eaten at the same time as dairy. Foods that meat can be eaten with include eggs, fruits, vegetables and grains. These are considered neutral as they are prepared in the absence of meat or dairy. Fruits and vegetables must be inspected for bugs before they are eaten since insects are not kosher.

Kosher Rules

Any utensils that come into contact with meat while it is hot cannot be eaten with dairy, and any utensils that come into contact with dairy cannot be eaten with meat. Any kosher food that is cooked with non-kosher food is no longer considered kosher. Any grape products that are made by someone who is not Jewish are not to be eaten.