WHAT IS KOSHER?
The English word “kosher” is derived from the Hebrew root “Kashér”, which means to be pure, proper, or suitable for consumption.
The laws that provide the foundation for a kosher dietary pattern are collectively referred to as kashrut and are found within the Torah, the Jewish book of sacred texts.
According to kosher tradition, any food categorized as meat may never be served or eaten at the same meal as a dairy product. Furthermore, all utensils and equipment used to process and clean meat and dairy must be kept separate — even down to the sinks in which they’re washed.
Kosher foods are highly beneficial for the consumer, because of the strict rules under which they are produced, and because of the close inspection and monitoring that certification requires. Vegetables and fruits are carefully monitored ensuring they do not contain any bugs, thereby ensuring the safety and healthiness of the product.
Vegetarians are assured that those kosher products that are labeled as “pareve” are processed on equipment free of any dairy foods or meat. Meatless foods cannot contain any form of meat, which is helpful for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet.