Baltimore Jewish Life | STAR-K Reminders for Rosh Hashanah 5783

Posted on 09/21/22

STAR-K Reminders for Rosh Hashanah 5783

By: STAR-K

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.

Baltimore, MD - September 20, 2022

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

Dried Peas should first be boiled in water. After they have been fully cooked, allow the peas to soak in the water for 2-3 hours. The peas will then swell and the peel will become translucent. Then check as instructed below.
Canned or Frozen Peas may be checked straight out of the can/bag; there is no need to boil or soak.

Checking Instructions

Take the peas and inspect for holes or dark-colored stains, as this may indicate an insect beneath the thin peel.
If there is a dark spot on the peel, remove the thin skin and check if there is a cavity with a bug in it.

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:

Prepare a basin with water and non-bleach/non-toxic dishwasher detergent solution. The water should feel slippery.
Agitate the produce in the solution for 15 seconds.
Remove the produce from the basin and shake off excess water over the basin.
Pour water through the thrip cloth over another basin. Check the thrip cloth over a light box for any insects.**
If insects are found, wash the produce again and recheck, repeating steps 1-4.
This can be repeated up to 3 times. If insects are still found on the third try, the produce should not be used.

** 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.

Click here for a PDF of the Rosh Hashana Simanim Checking Guide

Click here for STAR-K's Insect Checking Chart

Click here for STAR-K's What Do Bugs Look Like Chart

Click here for Baltimore Establishments Yoshon/Pas Yisroel Chart

Click here for the most current 5783 Yoshon Quick Reference Guide