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TOP 14 HERBS OF THE BIBLE THAT HEAL & NOURISH

People have been using herbs for thousands of years for their culinary and medicinal benefits.
I want to tell you about some of the most popular herbs of the Bible and what they were
traditionally used for as well as how they are still used to this day.
As the Bible states in Psalms 104:14, God provides us with “herbs for the service of man.”
Hopefully, after reading this article, you can start incorporating some of these health-boosting
Biblical herbs into your life daily.

Herbs of the Bible

1. Aloes — He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited
Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five
pounds. (John 19:39)
The aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years. In ancient times, it was used to
embalm the dead, as well as for perfume. It also has a lengthy history of use topically for skin
complaints (including wounds, irritations and burns) and internally for constipation.
Today, aloe is still commonly used to treat burns (including sunburns), heal rashes and
moisturize the skin. Preliminary research has also shown that aloe may help to lower blood
sugar in type 2 diabetics and decrease the effects of liver damage caused by alcohol. (1)
2. Anise — Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint
and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment,
mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other
undone. (Matthew 23:23)
All parts of the anise plant were used during Biblical times. The seeds, leaves and stem were
used to cool high temperatures, as well as for other medicinal purposes.
Download the top 14 herbs from the Bible that are still used today.
Today, anise can be used to help with digestion and can be used as an anti-flatulence agent.
It’s also used with some success for breast-feeding support and parasites. As an
antispasmodic, anise can be helpful for coughs, bronchitis and COPD. (2)
Anise is commonly taken by crushing the seeds into a tea.
3. Balm or Balsam — And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes
and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their
camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to
Egypt. (Genesis 37:25)
Balm or balsam in the Bible refers to an extremely fragrant resinous substance extracted from
a plant. In Biblical times, balsam was considered extremely valuable. The balm or balsam of
Gilead in the Bible was named for the region of Gilead where it was made and this balm was
used medicinally.
Today, it’s possible to find various herbal salves and oils inspired by this Biblical balm.
4. Bitter herbs — They shall eat the flesh that same night, roasted with fire, and they
shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. (Exodus 12:8)
Bitter herbs are a collective term used for things like horehound, tansy, horseradish, endive,
parsley and coriander seeds. Bitter herbs were mostly used for food in the Bible. In fact, the
people of Israel were commanded to have bitter herbs with their Passover lamb.
Today, bitter herbs like gentian and wormwood are known for helping to prevent and relieve
digestive complaints like dyspepsia. Experts theorize that bitter herbs are able to aid
digestion through their ability to increase digestive secretions as well as blood circulation in the
abdominal organs. (3)
5. Cassia — Vedan and Javan paid for your wares from Uzal; wrought iron, cassia and
sweet cane were among your merchandise. (Ezekiel 27:19)
Cassia oil was popularly used as anointing oil during Biblical times. Cassia has aromatic
properties quite similar to cinnamon.
Today, cassia is used in natural hair care, coloring and conditioning. The leaves are actually
harvested, dried and ground into a powder used for the hair.
6. Cinnamon — Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as
much of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus. (Exodus 30:23)
Cinnamon, once considered more precious than gold, has some amazing medicinal benefits.
The bark, where the oil comes from, was traditionally collected for anointing oil, as well as
perfume.
Today, cinnamon is used to help lower blood glucose levels. Due to its antifungal properties,
it’s also employed in the natural treatment of yeast infections. It can also help to calm an
upset stomach by relieving gas. (4)
7. Cumin — When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter
cumin? Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its
field? (Isaiah 28:25)
The ancient Israelites took cumin seeds, dried them and used them to flavor their food.
Today, research has shown that cumin seeds contain a substance called cuminaldehyde that
may be useful in fighting diabetes. (5) A study published in 2017 demonstrates that black
cumin contains an anticancer phytochemical known as thymoquinone and thymoquinone may
be considered as a future drug in cancer treatment. (6)
8. Frankincense — On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary,
and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and
presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.(Matthew 2:11)
Most popularly known for incense, frankincense was used during ceremonial offerings and
considered an article of luxury.
Today, it can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent, analgesic, antidepressant, and sedative,
in addition to being a powerful healing herb. Frankincense oil is also a great stress-reducer
known to improve anxiety. (7)
9. Garlic — We remember the free fish we ate in Egypt, along with the cucumbers,
melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. (Numbers 11:5)
Garlic has been used as both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years,
dating back to when the Egyptian pyramids were built.
Today, garlic is used to boost the immune system and help prevent heart disease. It also is
known to have helpful effects on hypertension and high cholesterol. Consuming garlic on a
regular basis may help guard against cancer formation in the body. (8)
I highly recommend checking out my article 7 Raw Garlic Benefits for Reversing Disease if
you want to know even more about the health benefits of this incredible medicinal herb.
10. Hyssop — Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be
whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7)
Hyssop is a sweet smelling plant from the mint family. It was used in many ceremonial rituals
of the Israelites, as burning hyssop typically meant an inner cleansing.
A research study published in 2003 demonstrates how hyssop may be “a useful food for
hyperglycemia,” which is an abnormally high blood sugar level. (9) Hyssop is also known for
being an expectorant and improving respiratory related problems such as asthma, coughs and
bronchitis. (10)
Hyssop can be found in tea and tincture form at most health stores. Warm hyssop tea or
hyssop tintcure diluted in warm water can be used as a gargling liquid for sore throats.
11. Mint — Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint
and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment,
mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other
undone. (Matthew 23:23)
Mint has been used for thousands of years as a culinary herb and for medicinal purposes.
Today, peppermint is still being used medicinally for its calming effects. It’s often used to
improve some common health concerns like flatulence, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, nausea
and headaches. Some studies even point towards peppermint’s ability to help improve
indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (11)
12. Mustard — And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you
could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would
obey you.” (Luke 17:6)
One of Jesus’ most famous parables was about the mustard seed. This may be because
mustard grew so abundantly in Palestine.
Today, mustard seed has been studied for its possible anti-cancer properties.
Specifically, mustard seed contains a compound called allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and animal
research has shown that AITC-rich mustard seed powder “strongly inhibits bladder cancer
development and progression.” (12)
13. Myrrh — Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take
some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a
present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and
almonds.” (Genesis 43:11)
Myrrh is mentioned over and over in the Bible. (13) In Biblical times, it was sold as a spice and
as an ingredient of the anointing oil used in the Tabernacle, or as a salve for the purification of
the dead. In the Roman world, it was considered a natural remedy for almost every human
affliction from earaches to hemorrhoids.
Today, myrrh oil is used for its anti-parasitic, antifungal and antibacterial benefits. (14) Many
people enjoying diffusing this Biblical oil into the air during prayer and meditation.
14. Saffron — Nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of
frankincense, myrrh and aloes, along with all the finest spices. (Song of Solomon
4:14)
The most expensive spice in the world today was also very dear during ancient times. Because
of its distinct yellow color, saffronwas used not only for flavoring but to make ancient dyes as
well. Ancient peoples used saffron to treat stomach upsets, bubonic plague and smallpox.
Today, recent studies have indicated possible health benefits including cancer-inhibiting
properties (specifically for breast cancer), antidepressant effects and promoting a feeling of
fullness for mildly overweight individuals. (15, 16, 17)

Final Thoughts
As you can see, the Bible makes mention of so many valuable herbs. These are plants that can
be used as food, medicine, tea, skin care, hair care, dental care and so much more. It really is
incredible when you think about all the natural Bible herbs we can easily access and benefit
from on an everyday basis. I hope you may find a way to incorporate these amazing Biblical
herbs into your daily routine.

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TOP 10 BIBLE FOODS THAT HEAL + THE BIBLICAL DIET

Whether you eat, drink or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.
~ 1 Corinthians 10:31
All throughout the Bible, references are made to the medicinal properties of foods and herbs.
Representing health and longevity from Almighty God, the importance of diet and of preparing
and eating food was oftentimes seen as a spiritual act. If you want to consume some of the
most common foods mentioned for their health properties in the Bible, then you’ll want to try
these top 10 healing Bible foods.
But first, let’s look at what foods the Bible considers clean vs. unclean. Of course, all of the
healing foods land in the clean category.

What Are Clean and Unclean Foods?

When you go on the Bible diet, there are only certain kinds of food that you can eat. Certain
foods are “clean” and should be eaten while others are “unclean” and should be completely
avoided.

Acceptable Biblical foods:

 Trees whose edible yield is bearing seeds or is seed — To put it simply, this kind
of food is mostly fruits. All fruits are acceptable in the Biblical diet, just as long as they
come from seeds. Fruits from fruit trees are okay to eat, as well as anything that grows
on a vine, a shrub or anything with a woody bark tissue. (1)
 Plants whose edible yield is bearing seeds or is seeds — This classification refers
to anything that may grow on plants that are not necessarily trees. Examples of seed-
bearing plants include squash, tomatoes, corn and beans. (2)
 Field plants — Field plants or “plants of the field” are the next thing on the list, which
can consist of herbs, roots and green, leafy vegetables. (3)
 Clean meat — Now this one’s a little detailed because the definition of clean meat is
pretty complex. According to Leviticus, clean meat is defined as the meat of every
animal that has the hoof cloven in two and chews the cud. (4) Examples of clean meat
 include the ox (cattle), buffalo, sheep, goat, deer, gazelle, antelope and mountain
sheep, just to name a few. Examples of unclean meat include pig, camel, hare and rock
badger. The Bible also instructs us not to eat the blood of animals or to eat any meat
that has been sacrificed to idols. (5)
As for seafood, everything with fins and scales are allowed, but whatever doesn’t have fins
such as shellfish is prohibited. For birds, everything is allowed except eagles, vultures, kites,
ravens, ostriches, seagulls and owls. It is also noted that all winged insects are considered
unclean. (6)

Top 10 Bible Foods with Healing Properties

1. Olives and Olive Oil — Then it shall come about when the Lord your God brings you into
the land which He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you, great and
splendid cities which you did not build, and houses full of all good things which you did not fill,
and hewn cisterns which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant,
and you eat and are satisfied. (Deuteronomy 6:10-11)
The Jews were the elite olive merchants of their day. During antiquity, this precious commodity
was used for its healing capabilities, for cooking, to light lamps, for soaps, for cosmetics and
even for currency. Olive oil was considered so sacred to ancient culture that it was even used
to anoint kings and priests. Hence, the Hebrew for Messiah, Moshiach, meaning “anointed
one!”
Research has been conducted that proves regular consumption of olives and olive oil
contributes to heart, brain, skin and joint health. They have even been linked to cancer and
diabetes prevention. (7) Needless to say, this sacred foodstuff has lived up to its ancient
reputation!
2. Pomegranate — For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of
water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley,
of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey. (Deuteronomy 8:7-8)
Tasty, messy and just recently gaining ground in the American market these past few years,
several research studies have shown that pomegranates contain strong anti-inflammatory,
anti-oxidant, anti-obesity and anti-tumor properties. According to researchers, “Many
beneficial effects are related to the presence of ellagic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and
flavones, which seem to be its most therapeutically beneficial components.”
Subsequently, pomegranates are being considered valid treatment options for chronic
diseases such as cancer, insulin resistance, intestinal inflammation and obesity. (8)
3. Fermented Grapes — May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better
than wine. (Song of Solomon 1:2)
I can’t make a list of top Bible foods without including grapes. Several epidemiological studies
have shown that moderate alcohol intake, particularly drinking red wine, may lower the risk
of cardiac mortality due to atherosclerosis. (9) The general recommendation is no more than
one (five ounces) of red wine per day except for men under the age of 65 who may be able to
have two drinks per day. (10)
When grape juice is fermented, natural anti-oxidant and flavonoid properties are exemplified
through a substance called resveratrol. Consequently, researchers have focused much of
their attention on evaluating the health benefits of resveratrol in recent years, which has been
linked to chronic disease prevention and treatment including diabetes and obesity. (11)
4. Flax — An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels … She looks for
wool and flax and works with her hands in delight. (Proverbs 31:10,13)
One of the most important plant fibers in the Bible, flax has been used to make linen for as
long as recorded history. Although it has been widely replaced by cotton in recent years, flax
remains one of the most important fiber plants in the world and one of the top Bible foods.
Having a rich history of medicinal use dating back to Babylon in 3000 B.C., flax seeds have
been wholeheartedly embraced by natural health and medical circles alike because it provides
a natural, vegan source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, lignans and fiber. Subsequently,
research show that flax seeds may be able to help fight against cancer, lung disease and heart
disease. (12)
5. Sprouted Grain Bread — Take wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and spelt; put
them in a storage jar and use them to make bread for yourself. (Ezekiel 4:9).
In the Book of Ezekiel, God gave the prophet Ezekiel a recipe for what has proven to be the
perfect bread as science has recently shown us that it creates the “complete protein,” one that
contains all essential amino acids. The main reason that Ezekiel bread is healthier than other
breads is because the grains and legumes are soaked and sprouted, which makes them easier
to digest — and as a result, is the only bread to make this list of top Bible foods.
Harvesting “sprouted grains” happens right after the seed has started to sprout, but before it
has developed into a full-grown plant. During this critical growth state, the young shoot digests
a portion of the starch to fuel its growth. Subsequently, because the grain’s starch has been
utilized, the level of vital nutrients — including proteins, vitamins and minerals — are
enhanced. Additionally, research studies have suggested that iron and zinc actually become
more “bioavailable,” (i.e. more easily absorbed) after sprouting. (13)
6. Raw Goat Milk — The lambs will be for your clothing and the goats will bring the price of a
field. There will be goats’ milkenough for your food, for the food of your household, and
sustenance for your maidens. (Proverbs 27:26-27)
Raw milk is filled with the vitamins and minerals that contribute to a healthy dental fluid flow
and help maintain strong teeth. Loaded with calcium, vitamin K2, magnesium, phosphorus and
fat-soluble vitamins, researchers have carried out a comparative study on the properties of
cows’ milk compared to those of goats’ milk and have discovered that goats’ milk may be
even more beneficial.
Unlike cows’ milk, scientists from the University of Granada has revealed that data concerning
goats’ milk suggests that it could prevent diseases such as anemia and bone demineralization.
Additionally, goats’ milk has properties that help with the digestive and metabolic utilization of
minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. (14)
7. Lamb — Now you shall eat it [the unblemished lamb] in this manner: with your loins
girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste —
it is the Lord’s Passover. (Exodus 12:11)
Due to the significance of the Passover Lamb and equating that role to Christ, lambs are the
most revered animal in history, and the most honored food in the Bible (and the only meat
earning a spot in the top 10 Bible foods). Lamb is the meat of young sheep that are generally
one year old or younger. Due to slaughtering the animal at such a young age, the marble fat
content is considerably lower than older varieties of meat, which contributes to heart health
and helps prevent again obesity. Rich in protein, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, niacin, zinc and
other vital nutrients, it is arguably the healthiest red meat on the planet. (15)
On a side note, make sure to purchase local, organic, grass-fed varieties when possible. Grain-
fed factory farmed animals are loaded with genetically modified corn feed, countless
additives and are simply not worth the risk.
8. Bitter Herbs (coriander and parsley) — They shall eat the flesh that same night, roasted
with fire, and they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. (Exodus 12:8)
Scholars are not in complete agreement which plants the authors of Bible were referring to
when writing about “bitter herbs,” but coriander and parsley generally make the list.
Coriander is the seed of the powerful anti-oxidant and natural cleansing agent cilantro.
Traditional medicine has long used and labeled coriander as an anti-diabetic plant and scientific
research confirms its helpful effects on blood sugar. Coriander also appears to be helpful for
high blood pressure and heavy metal detoxification amongst other positive health effects. (16)
Parsley is another health-promoting herb and a rich source of several crucial vitamins,
including vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. (17)
9. Vegetables — Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given
some vegetables to eat and water to drink. (Daniel 1:12)
Instead of eating the tasty dainties of the Babylonians, Daniel and his friends requested to live
on a vegetarian diet. When it was time for them to be presented to the king,
Nebuchadnezzar and all of the leaders were astounded to see that the four young Jewish
friends were more fit and looked better than the other young men who ate the Babylonian
fare. Often referred to as the Daniel diet or the Daniel fast, history and biblical text actually
support that Daniel continued his vegetarian lifestyle throughout his entire life.
Of all the food groups, vegetables are arguably the most nutrient-dense and safest to eat.
There’s relatively no risk in consuming too many of them; whereas, if you eat fruit all day,
you run the risk of spiking your blood sugar or developing dental caries because of the excess
sugar.
Vegetables are so effective at healing that, according to the National Cancer
Institute, cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage, collards, kale, radish etc.) can help prevent
cancer because they are rich in glucosinolates – a large group of sulfur-containing
glucosides. Known to break down during chewing and digestion, these powerhouse
chemicals can slow down and even reverse cancer cells growth. Additionally, it has also been
reported that glucosinolates can treat the following health concerns: (18)
 Inflammation
 Bacterial and viral infections
 Carcinogenic toxicity
 Tumor angiogenesis (blood vessel formation)
 Tumor metastasis (tumor migration)
10. Raw Honey — Have you found honey? Eat only what you need that you not have it in
excess and vomit it. (Proverbs 25:16)
It’s no wonder raw honey is referred to as “liquid gold.” The medicinal applications to the skin
and internal body seem limitless. First of all, raw honey is loaded with key nutrients. Research
has also shown that honey contains the disease-fighting antioxidant flavonoids like pinostrobin,
pinocembrin and chrysin. (19)
In addition to being a fantastic replacement to energy drinks for athletes and people needing a
little boost, raw honey also supports the growth of probiotics in gastrointestinal tract including
(Bifidobacteria). (20) Another fascinating quality of honey is its ability to improve allergy
symptoms. (21) However, be sure to purchase the local variety, as it will contain indigenous
pollen species unlike generic store-bought brands.

Recommendations and Benefits of a Biblical Diet

Is it possible to lose weight by following the Bible’s teachings on food and eating? Founder of
the Bible Diet, author of The Maker’s Diet and motivational speaker Jordan S. Rubin believes
so! According to him, the Bible Diet is heavily influenced based on the teachings from the
books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy and the only food considered acceptable or clean is the
only kind that should be eaten.

Recommendations from The Makers Diet

The four classifications of food (trees that yield seed, plants that yield seed, field plants, clean
meat) is the foundation of a Biblical diet. There are also other important things you should
consider when starting or following a Biblical diet:
 Water, sunshine and exercise. These three are absolutely key to good health. You
should always remember to drink lots of water, get lots of exercise and go outside. I
recommend one quart water daily for every 50 pounds of weight. Also, it’s important to
drink high quality water.
 Eat safe, clean meat. This means abstaining from certain kinds of meat and seafood
such as pork, lobster, clams and mussels, shrimp and catfish.
 Eat foods that are in season. The Bible states that everything has a season. This
should also be our attitude when it comes to picking out the things we eat. Lean
towards eating fruits, vegetables and herbs that are in season, as they’re fresher and
better for your health.
 Eating raw. Eating uncooked raw food is very much encouraged. Some vegetables
may need to be cooked, but a majority of them can be enjoyed raw.
 Unprocessed real whole foods. What you eat should ideally be consumed in the way
that it was found in nature. This means that we should stay away from
preservatives, processed foods, or those produced with lots of contact with hormones,
fertilizers and pesticides.

Benefits of Following a Biblical Diet

All these food restrictions may seem like a whole lot of sacrifice, but what about the rewards.
According to Rubin, those who go on the Biblical diets and eat Bible foods can look forward to
the following benefits:
Weight loss
A diet high in unprocessed food, fruit and vegetables is ideal for weight loss. Natural and raw
fruits and vegetables carry fewer calories and are easier to digest then other processed foods.
A longer lifespan
Rubin claims that some of our ancestors that went on the Biblical diet went on to live for 120+
years. Although we may not reach that age, studies show that a diet high in fruits and
vegetables lead to little or no health complications, thus indicating a longer lifespan.
Energy and improved mood
When our bodies are in a state of imbalance due to poor dietary habits, we immediately feel it.
We can feel sickly, sluggish and depressed. Eating right can increase energy, balance
hormones and improve our mood.

Final Thoughts
Who would have thought that you could get nutritional advice in the Bible, huh?
At the end of the day, if it were good enough for people back then to eat, I think it’s probably
good for us today. So much of what the Bible lays out so clearly for how we should eat also
makes a lot of sense when you look at scientific research.
A Biblical diet is filled with healing foods that promote a well-rounded diet and so many
awesome health benefits.

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WHAT DOES KOSHER MEAN? KOSHER FOOD & KOSHER DIET

GUIDELINES

If you’re like many Americans today, you’ve wondered about kosher foods. What does kosher
mean? You see the labels on packaged foods around the grocery store, but maybe you aren’t
exactly sure what a kosher certification entails. Kosher food is meant to be pure and safe for
consumption. As it becomes more difficult to distinguish clean versus tampered foods these
days, maybe sticking to a kosher diet can be beneficial?
With the dramatic changes in the food industry over the past 50 years, eating a kosher diet
has become more difficult, as about 60 percent of the average American’s daily energy intake
comes from ultra-processed foods. Consumers are losing confidence in their food choices,
especially as the farming and processing of food have become big business.
It’s no wonder that the kosher food market has been gaining popularity.
Americans view kosher foods as trustworthy, which is a far cry from the way they perceive the
food industry. With the kosher stamp on a package, it certifies that a food is actually what it
claims to be. So what does kosher mean, what makes something a kosher food and how can
you follow a kosher diet? Let’s answer those questions.

What Does Kosher Mean?

What does kosher mean? Kosher is a Hebrew word that means “fit” or “proper.”
The word kosher is used to describe food and drink that complies with Jewish religious dietary
law. Keeping kosher is considered a “mitzvah,” a divine commandment.
Jewish people believe that God commanded them to keep kosher, so they are connecting with
God by fulfilling his command. They also believe that it was commanded by God because it will
benefit both their bodies and souls to eat in this pure way. So, what does kosher mean for a
Jew?
It means that following these guidelines is the diet of spiritual nutrition for the Jewish soul, and
it’s designed to bring purification and refinement to the Jewish people. (1)
For Jews, eating non-kosher foods diminishes their spiritual sensitivity and reduces their ability
to absorb the concepts of Torah and mitzvoth (commandments).
The hope is that when kosher observance is strong, so is a Jewish person’s spiritual identity.
For a food to be kosher, the production process must meet kosher requirements and then be
approved by a kosher auditor. For a kosher product to be certified, every ingredient, additive
and processing aid that’s used in production must also be kosher. No non-kosher foods can be
used in the production lines or with the same equipment as kosher foods. (2)

What Does Kosher Mean: What Is Kosher Food?

There are specific kosher definitions that explain what foods are considered kosher. Here’s a
run down of the kosher definition for each food group:
1. Meat and Poultry
Not all animal or bird meat is considered kosher. Animals that are considered kosher include
cows, goats and sheep, but pigs — often processed meat — horse, camel and rabbit are not
kosher foods. Most poultry, including chicken, turkey, goose and duck, are considered kosher
foods.
2. Dairy
It’s required that dairy products come from kosher animals. Because milk in the United States
is guaranteed to be from kosher animals by law, some Jewish authorities allow milk products
to be considered kosher without the need for full-time kosher supervision. When communities
require their milk production to be fully supervised, this is called Cholov Yisroel (meaning
“Jewish milk”). For dairy products to be considered Cholov Yisroel, a Jewish supervisor must be
present from the milking to the end of the processing to make sure that only kosher animals
are used to produce the milk. Even if non-kosher animals are present when a cow is being
milked, the milk cannot be considered Cholov Yisroel.
Cheese, on the other hand, requires full-time kosher supervision because of the presence of
rennet. Rennet is a complex of enzymes that is produced in the stomachs of animals. It’s
commonly used to separate milk into solid curds for cheesemaking. Because rennet is an
animal source, the production of cheese must be supervised in order to be considered kosher.
(3)
3. Eggs
Eggs must be from kosher birds (such as chicken, turkey, Cornish hens, ducks and geese),
and they can’t have any blood spots, which is considered unclean.
4. Fish
To be considered kosher food, fish must have fins and scales, and they must be removed
without tearing the fish’s skin. Shellfish are considered fish that you should never eat.
Generally speaking, some common examples of kosher fish include salmon, tuna, sole, halibut,
codfish, herrings and plaice. Examples of non-kosher fish include all shellfish, eels, shark,
monkfish, huss and catfish. Fish oil and other fish derivatives must also be from kosher fish.
Choosing kosher fish can be confusing because it’s common that fish aren’t labeled properly or
labeled as general, common names instead of noting the specific species name. There’s also
the issue of cross-contamination when the fish are caught and processed. For these reasons,
it’s important to buy kosher fish from a trustworthy source who is knowledgable about kosher
requirements.

What Does Kosher Mean? Kosher Diet Guidelines

There are three categories of kosher foods: meat, dairy and pareve. Each food group fits into
the kosher diet guidelines and requires specific handling and preparing to be considered
kosher. (4)

Separation of Meat and Dairy

The Torah says “you may not cook a young animal in the milk of its mother,” declaring one of
the main principles of what it means to be kosher. When following a kosher diet, meat and
dairy products must be completely separated — this is the principle called kashrut. Meat and
dairy products cannot be cooked or consumed together; plus, in a kosher kitchen, there are
separate preparation areas, dishes, utensils and cookware for meat and dairy so the two food
groups never come together.
Meat
Meat includes any animal and its byproducts, such as bones, broth, soup and gravy. In order
to eat meat under kosher guidelines, it must come from a kosher animal and be slaughtered,
drained and examined according to kosher requirements. Meat must also be salted to remove
the blood.
Slaughter of Animals
There are strict guidelines that must be met in the slaughter of animals in order for meat to be
considered kosher. It’s believed that the laws regarding the specific method of slaughter were
expressed to Moses on Mount Sinai. The first rule is that the only people who can participate in
the slaughter of animals for food must be knowledgeable about the laws and receive written
authorization from a rabbinical authority.
The slaughter of animals (called shehitah) must be done quickly, with a smooth cut of a sharp
knife that has no dents or imperfections. The cut must be done by severing the trachea and
the esophagus, cutting off air to the lungs. There are improper procedures that must be
avoided when slaughtering an animal, which include hesitation or delay while drawing the
knife, excessive pressure, burrowing the knife during the cut, cutting outside of the specified
area, or tearing the area without killing the animal because the blade wasn’t sharp enough.
Once the animal dies, certain forbidden fats and veins must be removed and the meat must
soak in a bath in room temperature water for 30 minutes. To draw out the blood, the soaked
meat is then placed on special salting tables where it’s salted on both sides for one hour.
If an animal isn’t properly slaughtered or if it dies from other causes, such as disease, it isn’t
fit to eat and can’t be considered kosher. If the slaughtering procedure fails to abide by these
guidelines, the meat will be rejected by the Jewish authorities. (5, 6)
Dairy
Any food that contains milk is considered dairy, including milk, yogurt, butter and all cheese.
Dairy products must come from a kosher animal, processed with kosher equipment and cannot
contain any meat derivatives.
Pareve
Pareve refers to foods that aren’t composed of meat or dairy so they can be eaten with either
food group under the kosher diet guidelines. Foods that are considered pareve include eggs
(without blood spots), fish, fruit, vegetables and grains in their natural, unprocessed state.
Vegetables and fruits must be carefully inspected for insects and cleaned properly, as insects
are strictly non-kosher. Pareve foods should not be processed with dairy or meat foods, and
any packaged or processed pareve foods should have a reliable kosher certification.
Wine and Grapes
The processing and manufacturing of fresh or dried grape products, such as wine and juice,
must be supervised and handled exclusively by Jews for them to be considered
kosher. Grape products should have a kosher certificate.
Bread
Bread and bread products must have two levels of kosher certification. To be considered
kosher, bread should be baked by a Jewish person in a kosher home or kosher bakery, or
baked by a non-Jewish professional baker with the supervision of Jewish authorities. This is
important because many bakeries in the United States use dairy products in their breads.
Some bakeries also grease their pans with animal fats, which can’t be done for the bread to be
considered kosher.
In addition to this, under product regulations, additives like whey do not have to be declared
on the packaging when they’re only used in small amounts, so although the bread is
technically non-kosher, the ingredients listed on the product make you believe otherwise. (7)
Fruits and Vegetables
All fresh, whole fruits and vegetables, and even herbs, are considered kosher, as long as they
have been carefully examined for insects. This is especially important for vegetables that are
hard to examine for insects, like cauliflower and broccoli; in these cases, buying fresh florets
can be helpful.
Canned, jarred, packaged or freeze-dried fruits and vegetables should be labeled kosher or
indicate that they aren’t made with artificial flavors or colors. Frozen fruits and vegetables are
generally considered kosher, but vegetables that are more difficult to check for insects (like
broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, potatoes, mustard greens and asparagus) should be
thawed and checked further. (8)
Passover
For Passover, Jewish people avoid eating chametz, or food that contains any amount of wheat,
barley, rye, oats and spelt that has leavened or fermented. Many Jewish communities also
refrain from what’s called kitniyot, which includes legumes or pulses like corn, rapeseed,
peanuts, beans, rice and soy. For Passover, Jews must also be sure to use separate dishes,
utensils or cookware than what’s normally used for grains.

What Is Kosher? Kosher Foods List

Meat
 cattle
 sheep
 goats
 deer
Birds
 chicken
 duck
 turkey
 goose
  pigeon
Fish
 anchovies
 bluefish
 flounder
 fluke
 haddock
 halibut
 herring
 mackerel
 red snapper
 salmon
 sardines
 sea bass
 sole
 trout
 tuna
 whitefish
Eggs
 all eggs with no blood spots from kosher birds
Milk and Cheese
 only from kosher animals and made with no non-kosher derivatives or animal products
Fruits and Vegetables
 all fruits and vegetables, but must be examined for insects and cleaned thoroughly
Grains
 all grains are considered kosher, except during Passover
Cooking Oils
 all cooking oils extracted from fruits, seeds, grains and nuts must have a kosher
certification label
Processed Foods
 all processed foods, including bread, baked goods, cereal and pasta, must have a
kosher certification label

How to Find Kosher Foods

As kosher foods become more popular, they’re easier to find in your neighborhood. Some
communities have stores that sell kosher products exclusively. This ensures that all foods are
labeled correctly and safe to eat when following a kosher diet.
So how do you know what is kosher? If you don’t have a kosher store near you, look for
packaged foods that have a seal of rabbinic supervision. This ensures that the processing of
the food has been overseen by a Jewish supervisor to be sure that all kosher guidelines have
been followed. There are a number of labels that indicate that a product is certified kosher.
Some of the most common labels are a U with a circle around it and a K with a circle around it.
The label depends on the kosher agencies, which vary from state to state.
For people who are strictly kosher, the label that’s a K with no circle around it means that an
individual rabbi grants the food kosher, not an organization. Foods with a K may be fine
according to some Orthodox standards, but for other communities it’s important to have the
kosher certification from a specialized organization.

What Does Kosher Mean? Kosher Recipes

There are so many kosher-friendly recipes to choose from. Kosher recipes must include only
animal meat that’s considered kosher and diary that comes from kosher animals. But, the
most important principle of all, the two food groups cannot be combined.
My Minestrone Soup Recipe contains neither meat or dairy, so it would be considered
pareve and completely kosher.
Any Beef Stew Recipe that contains only kosher beef and vegetables is considered kosher-
friendly. Make sure that the broth is also from a kosher animal and the vegetables and herbs
are washed thoroughly.
Kosher fish are considered pareve, so they can be mixed with either meat or dairy. Salmon, a
kosher-friendly fish, is mixed with kale and topped with goat’s milk yogurt in this Salmon
Kale Recipe.

What Does Kosher Mean? Kosher Food Benefits

According to research published in Packaged Facts, a significant percentage of kosher
consumers in America are not Jewish, but they buy kosher food because they believe it’s
healthier and safer. It’s estimated that sales of kosher food swelled from nearly $150 billion in
2003 to more than $200 billion in 2008. The numbers continue to climb, although the Jewish
population in the U.S. is less than 2 percent. This is due not only to the rise in certified
products on the market, but also the growing number of consumers who deliberately
choose kosher food. (9)
Researchers suggest that people choose kosher food because of the following potential
benefits:
 Food processing is supervised and deemed safer.
 Meatless foods cannot contain any form of meat, which is helpful for those on a
vegetarian or vegan diet.
 Foods will not contain potential allergens, like shellfish.
 Foods containing even small amounts of dairy must be labeled as dairy products, which
is helpful for people on a dairy-free diet.
 People on a kosher diet must avoid pork because, as it says in the Old Testament, the
pig is a scavenger and not meant for human consumption. Plus, pigs harbor common
viruses, parasites and toxins.
 Animals are killed according to certain guidelines that are meant to be more humane.
 Trucks carrying kosher food must be washed and sanitized each time a truck delivers a
load.

Final Thoughts on What Does Kosher Means

 What does kosher mean? Kosher means “fit” or “proper.” The word kosher is used to
describe food and drink that complies with Jewish religious dietary law.
 For Jewish people, eating non-kosher foods diminishes their spiritual sensitivity and
reduces their ability to absorb the concepts of Torah and mitzvoth (commandments).
 For a food to be kosher, the production process must meet kosher requirements and
then be approved by a kosher auditor. For a kosher product to be certified, every
ingredient, additive and processing aid that’s used in production must also be kosher.
 There are specific kosher definitions that explain what foods are considered kosher. The
two most important food categories are meat and dairy, which can never be mixed and
eaten or processed together. It’s also important that people on a kosher diet only eat
kosher animal meat and fish.
 How do you know what is kosher? Any packaged or processed foods must be labeled
with a kosher certification, and fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly to be
sure there are no insects present.
 More and more Americans are eating a kosher diet because they feel it’s a safer,
healthier standard than relying on the food industry.