1. ONIONS
The state of onions has improved, and the recommendation to
separate all the layers of all onions is no longer in effect.
This means that for regular Israeli-grown onions, if: a) no
green leaves are sprouting from the top of the onion
AND b) the onion is firm, AND c) after cutting
off 1/2 cm. from the top of the onion (starting to count the
1/2 cm. from where the onion starts being round), an
inspection of the cross-section of the layers shows that all
the layers are tightly packed together, with no spaces
between them, then only the inside and outside of the
first layer and the outside of the second layer need to be
cleaned or checked.
During the course of the winter, the new crop of onions will
come to market. The way to identify them is that they are
open at the top, i.e. the peel does not grow all the way up
over the top of the onion, and the inside of the onion is
visible. As every year, these onions should be checked or
cleaned layer by layer.
2. OATS
People have again been reporting finding infestation (live
bugs) in MORNFLAKE OATS. Therefore we are still required to
check them. It is preferable to use the English Quaker
oats.
QUAKER OATS from England (brown can or foil bag): no change.
No checking required.
3. SHELLAC
The following is based on a conversation with the Badatz
Eida Chareidis.
The shellac used on APPLES throughout Eretz Yisroel (not only
those sold in stores with a Badatz hechsher) is a
special kosher shellac.
PERSIMMONS are not shellacked.
CITRUS fruit is still being coated with the non-kosher
shellac and the peel should not be eaten. Washing does not
remove the shellac.
4. SIFTERS
Reminder: If you haven't taken apart and cleaned your sifter
in the past 2 months, it's time to do so (unless you store it
in the refrigerator or freezer).
5. BUG-FREE VEGETABLES
Rav Vaye has removed his hechsher from the "Yarok min
HaTeva" specially-grown vegetables, also called "Bikurei
Katif." Even if the package has his name on it, if it was
grown by this company, do not rely on it. It is an
unauthorized use of his name.
6. AMERICAN RAISINS
Black and yellow raisins from America that come packaged
(either in tiny 1-oz. size boxes, 12-oz. boxes, or 1 kg.
bags) can be assumed to be clean, as long as they are fresh.
Once the container has been opened, or for prolonged storage,
store in the refrigerator or freezer. The American raisins
that are sold loose (by the gram) in nut and dried fruit
stores in Eretz Yisroel must be checked by soaking in hot
water.
7. FRESH MUSHROOMS
When checking fresh mushrooms, be on the alert for red spider
mites (tiny live red insects) on the mushrooms or in the
bottom of the box. Reports have been coming in lately of
sightings of these creatures in Israeli-grown mushrooms. If
any are found, do not use the mushrooms in that box.
8. DRY FOOD PRODUCTS
(According to an alert published in newspapers by the Badatz
Eida Chareidis, dated 25 Cheshvan) At this time of the year,
after the heat of the summer, dry foods (such as flour,
spices, noodle products, grains, legumes, and nuts and seeds)
have an even higher infestation rate than during the summer
itself. Therefore, one should be extra cautious about
checking these items now.
