Kosher Diet Plan Rules

Kosher rules follow Jewish law in that only certain animals can be eaten. A kosher diet is strict, but you can stick to the rules by adjusting where and how you shop.

Meaning of the Word "Kosher"
"Kosher" is the common word that refers to following Jewish dietary laws. Kosher food is "fit" if it meets the Jewish dietary laws.

List of Kosher Foods

• Certain animals such as cow, goat, sheep, giraffe, antelope, deer and pronghorn, and then only once the sciatic nerve and fat around it have been removed from the hindquarters (because of the manner in which slaughter must take place, wild game is not normally used)
• Certain fish (those with translucent fins and scales that can be removed without tearing the flesh)
• Seaweed and other plant life devoid of insects
• Most drinks, including wine (The common drink of choice at all Jewish gatherings is wine and grape juice.)
• Insect-free fresh fruit and vegetables
• Variety of poultry, including duck, goose, chicken and turkey
• Eggs from kosher birds (remove any blood vessels on the raw egg)
• Bee honey (though bees are not kosher, honey passes the kosher test because it is not secreted from the bee but rather made by the bee)
• Milk and milk products derived from a kosher animal
• Cheese made with vegetable-based enzymes
• Unprocessed or unleavened grains and cereals

In order for foods to remain kosher, they must be prepared in certain ways, and some foods must not be combined. For instance, never mix meat and milk products. And never mix fish with milk or mix fish with meat or place fish and meat on the same dish. But fish can be served either immediately before or immediately after either a meat dish or a dairy product.

Utensils
Since meat and dairy should never be mixed, individuals who follow the rules of kosher foods do not mix utensils, either. Two sets of utensils and dishes are kept in each household: one for dairy foods and the other for meals with meat. Some households also keep a third set of dishes for Passover, for when matzo, bread that is unleavened, is served. To ensure matzo is kosher, a "P" is usually stamped on the front of store-bought packages.

Proper Way to Slaughter an Animal or Bird
In order for meat to be considered kosher, many rules must be followed. First, the animal must be slaughtered in the most humane manner. A very sharp knife with no imperfections is used to slit the animal's throat. If the knife is found to be nicked, it must be discarded before the next animal is slaughtered. Moreover, if the animal is found to have any imperfections, it too must be discarded.

Seasonings
Kosher salt is the same type of salt used the world over, but it has no additives. Kosher salt is large grain salt. Because the blood of an animal is not kosher, when an animal is slaughtered, kosher salt is sprinkled across it to draw out the blood. Because it's thicker, kosher salt stays in place during this process.

Jewish Dining
To attain the complete Jewish dining experience, visit a kosher restaurant. Kosher restaurants and delis can be found in most large cities with Jewish communities, such as Toronto and New York. If you have a kosher restaurant nearby, simply order an entire meal for the whole family, and get the total dining experience.