Kosher is the name given to foods which abide by Jewish dietary laws. Eating the correct diet is an integral part of the Jewish faith which has been followed for thousands of years.

If you are about to cater for an event serving kosher food for the first time or if you are interested in finding out more about kosher we have provided a brief view of some of the principles involved.

Foods and drinks are declared kosher if they comply with specific Jewish laws. There are different rules relating to different types and preparations of food. Different sets of utensils and cutlery need to be used for different food types and utensils that have been used for the preparation of non kosher food cannot be used for making kosher food. For example meat and milk cannot be used as ingredients in the same dish or even served together.

When buying ready made meals or ingredients (such as stock cubes or sauces) it is important to make sure that it follows kosher guidelines. Reading a list of ingredients may help you to spot obvious combinations of ingredients to avoid but will not provide the full information. When deciding whether a meal is kosher or not every substance used in the production needs to be evaluated. This obviously includes the ingredients as well as any additives or flavourings and cooking oils used.

As identifying kosher food can be a difficult process systems have been created to help it stand out. When buying food from shops symbols called hechsherim are placed on food that has been deemed kosher. The foods displaying these symbols are certified by appropriate Jewish bodies. There are many different symbols used to represent different bodies, some of which have different values.

Passover is one of the most significant holidays in the Jewish calendar. Passover marks the birth of the Jewish nation as its people were freed from slavery. The Passover festivities last for eight days during which more fundamentals of Jewish law are applied.

One of the main stipulations is that no foods made using a leavening agent can be consumed during the Passover. Leavening agents are used in dough and other ingredients to produce bubbles of carbon dioxide thus causing a mixture to rise or expand. This also includes foods from the group known as the five species. The five species are wheat, rye, barley spelt and oats. These cannot be eaten as it is difficult to ascertain whether or not they have started the fermentation process which leads to leavening whilst they have been in transit.

Other ingredients and food types are also prohibited with variations between different Jewish communities. Corn is often not permitted during the Passover which means that even products such as coca cola (made using corn syrup) need to be avoided. In response to this the Coca Cola have produced kosher coke which is only available during the Passover.