What makes food kosher?
The Hebrew word kosher means fit to eat as in accordance to Jewish kosher dietary law. The basic laws are of biblical origin and are extensive. Since the USDA doesn't require the listing of all lining or flavoring ingredients, it's important to look for labels of trusted kosher food agency.
Cloven-Hoofed Animals
The Torah permits ingestion of any mammals that chew cud and are cloven-hoofed. Kosher animal meat includes cow, deer, antelope, bison and sheep. Pork is not kosher. The processing of meat is very important. Meat must be slaughtered with kosher instruments, and then inspected by a trained "bodek" who inspects the internal organs, particularly the lungs. Any adhesions would make the meat unclean. Blood is removed meticulously and then salted. Meat cannot be eaten with dairy.
Poultry
The Torah forbids twenty-four specific species of fowl, while all other birds are considered kosher. Chicken, turkey, goose and duck are generally considered traditional kosher poultry. Poultry must be slaughtered in the same method as above, called "shechita." This method of death is immediate and causes no pain to the animal. Blood should be boiled out before eaten.
Fish
In order to be kosher, the fish must have fins and visible scales at the time of purchase, but requires no special preparation when cooking. Since scales must be visible to verify that it's kosher, fillets and ground fish are not acceptable. All shellfish are prohibited. Processed fish requires rabbinic recommendation, as do most processed foods.
Fruits and Vegetables
As long as they are inspected for bugs, fruits and vegetables are considered kosher. Leafy vegetables and strawberries are particularly prone to bugs and must be inspected carefully. Grape products made by non-Jews is prohibited because of the use of wine in ancient pagan ceremonies. Whole grapes are acceptable. Fruits and vegetables can be eaten with meat or dairy.
Kashrut Certification
Labeled with a "hekhsher," which is has the Hebrew root kosher, prepackaged food is now recognizable as kosher. Certification doesn't mean that the food is blessed; it means that it was inspected and maintained the kosher process through manufacturing. Kosher certification organizations issue the certifications and their trademarks cannot be used without permission.
Tags: considered kosher, eaten with, must slaughtered