Certified Kosher

Kosher is not a style of cooking. Any type of cuisine, even if it’s not Jewish, can be certified kosher as long as it’s prepared in accordance with Jewish laws. For example, there’s such thing as kosher Japanese food, kosher Italian food, and kosher Chinese food. Likewise, traditional Jewish foods, such as matzah ball soup, knishes, and bagels, can be non-kosher if they aren’t prepared in accordance with Jewish laws.

2. Organic is the same thing as being certified kosher

While some foods are organic and kosher, organic and kosher aren’t the same thing. Organic foods are produced with environmentally-friendly methods and without chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Furthermore, organic foods are not processed with irradiation, synthetic food additives, or solvents. Whether a food product is organic has no bearing on whether or not it is kosher. Even organic fruits and vegetables may be considered non-kosher if they are infested with worms or other insects.

3. You can only prepare certified kosher food at home

Although it’s more difficult to follow a diet made up of strictly certified kosher foods, it’s not impossible. You can eat out at restaurants as long as they have a reliable kosher certification. Some Jewish people are more lenient and are willing to eat in restaurants that don’t have a kosher certification, as long as the food doesn’t contain ingredients that are obviously non-kosher.

4. Certified kosher food is only consumed by Jewish people

The market for certified kosher food has grown significantly over the years, especially in non-Jewish markets. According to a report published in 2009, only about 15 percent of kosher food sales are for religious reasons. The majority of people who purchase kosher foods are non-Jews who are concerned about food safety. Jews only make up a fraction of the kosher market. The health-conscious, vegetarians, food allergy sufferers, the lactose intolerant, Muslims, and Seventh Day Adventists also purchase kosher foods.

5. Certified kosher food has been blessed by a rabbi

Contrary to popular belief, rabbis do not bless food in order to make it kosher. Although observant Jews recite blessings over their food before eating it, these blessings have nothing to do with making the food kosher.

6. Consumers have to pay a tax on foods that are certified kosher

There is a widespread myth spread by anti-Semitic organizations that consumers must pay a special tax when they purchase certified kosher foods. Companies must apply for kosher certification, but the final cost for the consumer typically isn’t affected since the cost of certification is offset by the advantages of being certified.

7. You can eat all kosher foods during Passover

Not all kosher foods are acceptable during Passover. Foods that are usually acceptable under Jewish dietary laws but that are considered non-kosher for Passover include wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and oats.