1. ONIONS
At this time of year, there are 4 types of onions on the
market in Eretz Yisroel:
a) specially-grown ("Gush Katif") onions,
b) onions from the new crop, with scanty yellow peel (semi-
dry onions),
c) onions left from the previous season, with dark brown
peel,
d) imported onions, with dark brown peel (should be arriving
within the next few weeks).
For specially-grown onions with a good hechsher (a),
no checking or cleaning is required.
*
The new onions (b), having been harvested before they
completely dried, are considered muchzak betola'im,
infested in the majority of cases. They may be used after
being cleaned:
Cut off the neck of the onion plus a 1-centimeter slice at
the top of the onion.
If the layers are not tightly packed together, separate the
layers and wash them well or check each layer against the
light.
If the layers are tightly packed, separate the first white
layer and rinse it on both sides, while rubbing with your
fingers, and then wash the outside of the remainder of the
onion (the second layer). Rav Vaye thinks it is preferable
with all semi-dry onions, even tightly packed ones, to
separate and clean or check each layer, since occasionally
thrips are found between the layers even when they're
tight.
*
In the old onions (c), we have received a few reports
from people in Yerushalayim of finding mites.
*
For imported onions (d), if the onion is firm and does
not have green leaves sprouting from the top, no checking is
required. Still, sometimes even these onions may be infested,
especially near the top, and so it is recommended (but not
required) to:
Cut off the top centimeter of the onion and discard.
Check the cut surface to see if the layers are tightly
packed.
If so, clean the first layer and outside of the second.
If not, separate all the layers and wash or check each
one.
*
2. CASHEW NUTS
(Based on a phone conversation with Rav Sternfeld of the
Eida Chareidis)
The Eida Chareidis has arranged for a hechsher on the
shelling of cashews. All cashews now on sale in nut shops
with Eida supervision are fine. However, packaged cashews,
even those with a hechsher on the package, may still
be from before the new arrangement.
