Recently I’ve been extra curious about Jewish traditions. I’ve learned something that I would love to share through my blog for all the food lovers and followers. Kosher is the food that meets the Jewish dietary laws. It comes from the Hebrew word for “fit” or “proper” (kashrut). The word “kosher” is not only used for food, however. Kosher basically means food that follows all the Jewish legal guidelines- The laws are rather extensive but I’ll try to make it short fun and easy to read, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
With all the teachings of the Torah (Judaism's founding of legal and ethical religious texts)the signs of a Kosher animal can be understood on many different levels. The ten kosher animals listed in the Torah all have both split hooves and chew their cud. What all these animals have in common is that they all graze for food and are not predators. Deer, sheep and goats for example, are all kosher, while pig and rabbit for example are NOT.
Although the Torah permits man to eat animals, a Jew is commanded to do so only under very strict limits, such as eating only certain animals that undergo the prescribed slaughtering (killing) and have all the blood removed. In addition, the only animals permitted are those who don’t kill other animals. “We are what we eat” right? and the Torah does not want jews to take into their beings the very essence of the animal, especially if its very nature is connected to killing.
The two signs of kosher animals are also understood in a more symbolic manner. Since man contain both an animal soul as well as a Divine soul, the signs of a kosher animal relates to these two energies within each and every person.
Split hooves represent the idea of choice and free will. Animals do not possess free will, whereas man does. A split hoof symbolizes to the Jews the constant choices before them, the proverbial crossroads which split before them again and again during life. Chewing the cud represents not acting quickly when making choices especially from powerful animal urges. Rather, they are taught to think things over deliberately and even after doing so to bring up the ideas once again in order to “chew them over” again.
Free choice and analytical thought is what they believe separates them from the animal kingdom. Therefore, if they are to eat meat it should be in a way that strengthens their good qualities and strengthens the Divine within them.
*Only certain birds are considered kosher in the United States. This includes chicken, duck, goose, and turkey.
*What I understood about pig is that its certainly NOT kosher because back in the day, many people died from eating pigs that weren't well cooked. When raw pig is ingested, the parasites that live in the pig can cause fatalities in humans. In order to prevent this from happening, the Jews decided to make pigs un-kosher.
*Lobster lovers might be disappointed to find that for seafood or fish to be kosher, it must have fins and easily removable scales. Shellfish generally, and lobsters, shrimp, and clams, specifically are not kosher. Fish, on the other hand, such as tuna and herring, are kosher, but only if they are prepared by a kosher fish monger with kosher cutting implements and machines.
*Processed food must be prepared in the presence of a rabbi.
*Poultry and meat must be slaughtered under strict guidelines called "shechita." This means the animals are slaughtered without pain. Only those who are trained and qualified are allowed to slaughter kosher animals. Once the animal is no longer alive, another team of experts will examine the animal to be sure the animal is without illness, abnormalities or anything else that can be considered unsanitary. The lungs in particular must be pure. In addition, all blood, nerves, and most fat must be removed.
*Kosher kitchens must maintain separate sets of utensils, pots, pans, dishes, and anything else that comes in contact with food. In addition, dishes and utensils in a kosher kitchen can't be washed together. If a kitchen has two sinks, it is an ideal setup for a kosher family. If not, separate wash buckets are often used. Dishes and utensils must be dried using separate racks or dishtowels as well.
There are many many many other rules to be followed for anything to be considered kosher food. To make identification easier on the consumer, kosher food is often identified as such by its kashrut certification on the food's package. Kashrut certification is generally indicated by an identifiable symbol that includes the letter K which means the food is neither dairy nor meat, but rather neutral.
Here’s a kosher recipe I would love to try but Ive been really busy, it looks great though, if anyone dares to try it, please comment on it!
http://www.chefkosher.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=318:chicken-in-bbq-sauce&catid=41:poultry&Itemid=65
