Tips on Checking Selected Dried Fruits and Nuts

(Hakhel)

With Tu B’Shevat less than a week away, we move into thoughts of preparation for a Rosh Hashana not known to the world at large. We provide below a guide sourced from  reliable hashgacha agencies. We note that with respect to fresh figs, we have been advised that they are a top concern, as they can be infested with tolaim. We also add that we have been advised that there is no issues of tolaim with respect to pomegranates. As always, one should consult with his own Rav or Posek for a final p’sak in all matters.

HOW TO CHECK DRIED FRUIT/ NUTS

Very Important Note: This section is only relevant when using dried fruit or nuts in America. However, in Israel, dried fruit or nuts can have a substantially more serious insect problem. One needs to seek guidance from a credible Rabbinic source when eating Israeli dried fruits and nuts.

In order to eat the vast majority of dried fruits a reputable hashgacha is required. Some of the popular dried fruits, because of storage and long shelf life can be subject to insect presence. Certain dried fruits have a more frequent insect presence than others. Nevertheless, in this guide we will list those dried fruits which have occasionally been found with insects. We will also provide methods of clear and easy bedikah for them.

 

Note: Any dried fruits that appear to be damaged or rotting should either be discarded or, when applicable, opened completely and carefully examined internally for signs of infestation.

 

TURKISH APRICOTS: Worms can be found inside the apricot.

Although in general Turkish apricots (the thick orange apricots) do not contain worms, at times worms can be found in the middle of the sealed apricot. No statistics have been gathered indicating whether worm presence in Turkish apricots are a Miut HaMatzui halachically requiring Turkish apricots to be checked for worms. Nevertheless, when one eats Turkish apricots, several of the apricots should preferably be opened (by taking apart the two halves which easily come apart).

 

DATES: Worms can be found inside the date. There is a more prevalent presence of worms in dates than the Turkish apricots mentioned previously. However, no statistics have been gathered indicating whether worm presence in dates are a Miut HaMatzui, halachically requiring dates to be checked for worms.

 

Nevertheless, the following steps are recommended for checking dates.

 

Steps for cleaning dates:

 

1. Take several dates from the container.
2. Slice dates lengthwise.
3. Examine the dates by opening up the dates completely and looking for worms.

 

Note: It is recommended to use pitted dates (dates that have had the pit removed). The reason for this is that the worm can be positioned on the pit itself, thus being removed when the pit is taken out. This does not mean that more premium dates, such as Medjool dates, containing the pit, cannot be checked. The above mentioned steps should be used for those dates as well. 

 

FIGS: Fig beetles or worms can be found inside of the fig. Note: The discovery of fig beetles or worms in figs is a common occurrence. Therefore, there is a halachic requirement to check figs before eating them.

 

Steps for cleaning figs:

 

1. Take each fig from the package, slice it open and turn the fig inside out.
2. Look for presence of fig worm or fig beetle.
3. If any insect presence is found discard that fig and continue checking the rest of the figs.

 

CASHEWS: Worms or small insects can be found in the cashews.

 

Although in general cashews do not contain worms or insects, at times worms or insects can be found. No statistics have been gathered indicating whether insect presence in cashews are a Miut HaMatzui halachically requiring cashews to be checked for insects. Since the frequency of insects in cashews is yet to be clearly determined, we can only offer some general guidelines that can indicate signs of insect presence.

 

1. Cashews that look shriveled and have discoloration such as black dots can indicate that there are worms inside of them.

 

2. Cashews that contain visible holes can also be a sign of insect presence.

 

• In either case, the cashew should be separated and examined for the presence of small insects or worms.
• A healthy looking cashew that is completely closed and looks fresh is generally free from a chashash of insects.

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