Over the Pesach season, YWN published many top kosher “top 10 lists”. The cRc Chicago decided that there is no reason to limit the top 10s to Pesach, and have begun a monthly top 10 List. Their top 10 is geared more towards the kosher consumer. The cRc’s mission is to help consumers keep kosher.

Q: I have noticed that brown eggs have more of a tendency to have blood spots. Is there a reason for that?

A: Actually, the spots you are seeing probably aren’t blood spots. Egg whites have clumps of protein in them, and they are more visible in brown eggs because of the coloring. Those clumps of protein will be asymmetrical and brown. Blood spots are symmetrical and red.

Q: cRc policy is that in general vitamins require certification. What if the pharmacy makes their own vitamins from kosher ingredients? All they are doing is grinding and mixing?

A: One may act as the mashgiach, checking to ensure all the ingredients are indeed approved and seeing the technician make the vitamin.

Q: Do frozen pomegranate seeds need a hechsher?

A: No, frozen pomegranate do not need a hechsher.

Q: Does dishwashing detergents require a hechsher?

A: No. All dishwashing detergents in all forms are recommended without a hechsher.

Q: Does extra virgin coconut oil require hashgacha?

A: Extra virgin coconut oil does require a hechsher.

Q:What is the bracha on bread made from sprouted wheat?

A: The bracha is hamotzei.

Q: Does one need to tovel a ceramic coffee mug?

A: A ceramic coffee mug does not need to be toveled.

Q: What is the proper procedure if I wanted to make a puree of fresh kale?

A: If one plans on pureeing the kale, the kale should be washed very well with soap and water and then pureed.

A: chazaka check is not needed.

Q: What is the status of bourbons not listed on the cRc Liquor List?

A: In general, bourbon does not require kosher certification. Two exceptions are: 1 – Some have begun adding flavors and/or aging the liquor in wine casks. Such items would not be acceptable without certification, and consumers can determine if a given liquor has this issue by carefully reading the bottle’s label. 2 – Some bourbon companies are owned by Jews who do not sell their chametz; those brands are not recommended and are listed on the cRc Liquor List.

Q: If a hechsher is not listed on your recommended hechsher list, does that mean it is not recommended?

A: The cRc recommended hechsher list is not exhaustive and just because the symbol is not on our website does not mean it is not recommended. Consumers are encouraged to contact our office if they have a question about the reliability of a hechsher.

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(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)