As Tu B'shevat approaches, Rabbi Nissan Gibel on Kashrus: What You Need to Know provides a clear guide to Kashrus concerns and issues when purchasing dried fruits.
Tu Bushvat guide
Edited by Rabbi Nissan Gibel
Important notes:
This list does not apply to:
- Products from Israel or China.
- Freeze-dried dried fruit.
- Products for Pesach.
All of the above require a reliable hash gacha.
Please read the overview of this list carefully to avoid mistakes.
General guidelines:
Added potassium sorbate or sulfur dioxide is not a problem.
All dried fruits from Israel and China require a reliable hashgacha.
freeze dry – All freeze-dried fruits require a reliable hashgacha. The process involves heat, and the equipment often dries non-kosher products as well.
Dried fruits that require a reliable hash gacha are made less likely to stick together because a belt release agent is added to the machine that handles the dried fruit. These mold release agents may be non-kosher oils and the like. Some use animal stearic acid to prevent clumping. Because these are just processing aids and not ingredients in the product, companies are not required to list them on the label.
appleDrying – You need a reliable hash gacha.
apricot, dry – no additives, you don’t need a reliable hashgacha, but you do need to check for bugs. Sulfur dioxide is not a problem. Some apricots have added flavors or dairy probiotics, and you need a reliable hashgacha.
bananaDrying – You need a reliable hash gacha.
barberryDry – Even hash gacha cannot be accepted due to parasitic infestation.
blackberriesDry – Even hash gacha cannot be accepted due to parasitic infestation.
blueberryDry – You need a reliable hash gacha.
Carob – Hashgacha is not required, but inspection for insects is required. You will need carob powder, a reliable hashgacha.
CherryDrying – You need a reliable hash gacha.
cranberryDrying – You need a reliable hash gacha.
currant – You need a reliable hash gacha.
date – No additives, so no need for hash gacha. Imported or domestic dates, whole or pitted, must be inspected. Slice it open and check. Medjool dates grown in the United States generally have fewer pest infestations than other dates (such as Degret Noor).
fig – No additives, so no need for hash gacha. There is no problem with adding potassium sorbate. However, the figs should be turned over and inspected for visible webbing, wasps, and insects.
GingerDry – You need a reliable hash gacha.
goji berry, dry – very prevalent. I don't recommend using it even in hash gacha.
lemon peeldried – no additives, no hashgacha required.
mandarin orange, Dried – There is no need for hashgacha as there are no additives. Sulfur dioxide is not a problem.
mangodried – no additives, no hashgacha required.
mulberryDry – Even hash gacha cannot be accepted due to parasitic infestation.
nectarine, Dried – There is no need for hashgacha as there are no additives. Sulfur dioxide is not a problem.
papayaDrying – You need a reliable hash gacha.
peach, Dried – There is no need for hashgacha as there are no additives. Sulfur dioxide is not a problem.
pear, dry – no additives, no hashgacha required. Sulfur dioxide is not a problem.
persimmondried – no added flavors and no need for hashgacha unless it comes from Israel.
pineapple, Dried – There is no need for hashgacha as there are no additives. Sulfur dioxide is not a problem.
prune – No additives, so no need for hash gacha. Sulfur dioxide is not a problem.
nuts – Unflavored, unsalted raw nuts are acceptable without hashgacha, provided no kosher-sensitive ingredients are added. Nuts that have simply been blanched or pasteurized (including steam sterilization) are considered “raw.” Nuts that are roasted (dry roasted or oil roasted), cooked, boiled, canned, flavored, colored, or have kosher-friendly ingredients added to them require a reliable hashgacha.
raisins – Since it is made domestically and does not use oil, there is no need for hash gacha. A reliable hash gacha is required for import.
raspberryDry – Even hash gacha cannot be accepted due to parasitic infestation.
strawberry– You need a reliable hash gacha.
tamarind, dry-hashgacha is not required. Needs checking for bugs. Check for holes that could be a sign of an infestation.
watermelonDry – You need a reliable hash gacha.
