Friday, January 29, 2016

Kosher Meals For The Jewish Believer

By Dorothy Taylor


People love to eat. It is a favorite past time for many. However, everyone has a preference for the type of meal that they would enjoy. Whether it be based upon diet, individual tastes, or even religious customs. Kosher meals are prepared in accordance with Jewish customs.

Jewish dietary laws are the focus of kosher meals. It is formally known as "kashrut." The Hebrew definition of this word means clean or proper. The Torah contains the dietary laws followed by the Jewish believer. It has been stated at at least 21 percent of Jewish Americans have kosher food at home.

Jewish laws are very strict in what they allow and prohibit. An animal, such as a pig, is strictly forbidden. It should never be consumed. Mammals that chew cud or have hooves that are cloven in nature are also not allowed. Fish is often permitted, but all types of shellfish are not. Even birds are allowed on occasion depending upon the type.

Meals that are considered kosher often require that animals be slaughtered a certain way. They cannot die of natural causes or be killed by another animal in order to be considered clean. Also, all blood must be drained from the animal before it is consumed.

Not under any circumstances should poultry or beef be served along with any type of dairy product. They are not allowed to be eaten together. Eggs and dairy products on the other hand, may be served together. Restaurants who observe these dietary restrictions have decided to serve either dairy or meat exclusively. Cross contamination will less likely occur.

Fish, eggs, grains, and vegetables are food that are allowable to be consumed with either dairy or meat foods. Poultry is also included in this dietary restriction. Fried chicken is not considered acceptable because it has a batter that is milk-based, however fish with the same batter is permitted.

Meal preparation is extremely important. Kosher kitchens are usually ones where separate sets of dishes, pots, or utensils are often used when is comes into contact with meat or milk. Separation is also key because these items are not to be washed together. A Jewish home may have two sinks in their home just to prevent cross contamination from occurring. Separate towels and dish racks are also encouraged. This is of utmost importance when preparing a meal.

Purchasing kosher food is something that demands special care. Individuals should look for the word pareve on packaging, as well as the use of special symbols. However, every certifying agency uses symbols that may be foreign to the consumer. Careful research and investigation is always helpful for the individual purchasing the product.

Kosher usually refers to something that is pure or clean using its formal definition. It means that something is approved or fit. However, it has taken on a new definition in the American dialect. It refers to something that is genuine, proper, or legitimate. When one feels like something is just not right or correct, they simply refer to it as simply not being kosher.




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