Posted on 09/21/22
Baltimore, MD - September 20, 2022 With the approach of Rosh Hashana, when many of us will be enjoying fresh fruits and other traditional foodstuffs, STAR-K reminds you that some of these items need to be checked carefully prior to use. Checking instructions for all Rosh Hashana Simanim appear here and also as a downloadable PDF below. For your convenience, we are also including links to the 5783 Yoshon Quick Reference Guide, updated Baltimore Establishments Yoshon/Pas Yisroel chart, Insect Checking chart and What Do Bugs Look Like chart. ROSH HASHANA SIMANIM CHECKING INSTRUCTIONS APPLES/BEETS/CARROTS/POMEGRANATES: No checking required. DATES*: Open a few dates in each container and visually inspect. If no insects can be seen, the rest may be eaten without further checking. FIGS*: Open each one and check carefully for infestation (typically wasps, beetles or worms). NOTE: Figs are particularly difficult to check. * Checking instructions for dates and figs apply even if they have a hechsher, due to the possibility of improper storage. BLACK EYED PEAS: Preparation
Checking Instructions
NOTE: The black "eye" spot is not a sign of infestation. Similarly, orange colored stains on the surface are not signs of infestation; only dark or black stains are of concern. LEEKS: Examine the outside for any leaf miner trails. Check in between the leaves for thrips or other insects. CABBAGE: Fresh Cabbage: Separate all leaves and wash well. Then check using the thrip cloth method. Stuffed Cabbage: After freezing the head, defrost and separate all leaves and wash them well. Then check using the thrip cloth method. THRIP CLOTH METHOD:
** If one does not have a thrip cloth, the cabbage leaves may be checked carefully using a lightbox or under good lighting. HONEY: Pure honey does not need a hechsher (Clover, Wildflower, Blossom, Orange, etc., are types of honey, not flavors). Flavored honey needs a hechsher. |