Sunday, January 17, 2016

The Increasing Popularity Of Kosher Meals

By Brenda Evans


Many religions in the world have rules and regulations concerning various aspects of their lives and worship. The Jews strictly observe a number of rules including eating habits. Kosher meals refer to foods that are fit and appropriate for Jews to eat. It follows the teachings and instructions that are found in the Hebrew bible more specifically the Torah. The late antiquities rabbis developed the precise system used today. Subsequent generations and changing times and systems of food preparation, processing and storage have influenced its recent changes and applications.

Avid readers of the Torah will have noticed that, in the early days, vegetarianism was encouraged and commanded by God. Later certain animals were eaten as well as their products. Land animals allowed included any that has split hooves and chews cud. This does not include the hare, camel, pig or hyrax. It also excludes carnivores. Additionally, a pious person that observes religion should be the one to slaughter.

Only fish with scales and fins was allowed among all sea creatures. Birds of prey and scavengers were forbidden. Those allowed were the traditionally eaten ones like chicken, duck, turkey and geese. In addition, certain products from illegalized animals are also not allowed or considered fit for consumption. These include milk from animals like the camel eggs from birds of prey as well as meat that are prepared together with dairy products.

Some emerging trends are making kosher gain mainstream recognition in the food industry. This has resulted in a steady increase of these meals annually since the last few decades. Even though many people do not completely comprehend this term, they accept and belief that the food is better. People are very cautious of the meals they take and effects to their body.

Four main bodies regulate the industry. They check the validity and legality of all processed items and investigate products used in preserving and processing. They then issue a certificate to those products they deem fit for consumption. The main reason necessitating the strictness is the presence of many preservatives and additives that may be considered not legal or fit to consume.

The reason why this industry is growing is due to increased demand for these foods by both Jews and non-Jews alike. Many people are very weary of the many products that are added for preservation and flavor. This is because of cases of allergies and the belief that these additives are impure. A good example is the dislike of gluten.

Giant companies such as Coca Cola are increasingly spending a lot of money on campaigns that offer support for these religious meals. The main reason for this development is that, these companies have realized that there is looming potential in these products. They are seeking to tap into the business and attract customers.

Of the total kosher foods purchases, only fifteen percent are purely for religious purposes. Many buy them for health reasons, quality and safety. Even though there are many challenges facing the industry, it is slowly gaining mainstream awareness. If these products are well marketed to the public, many who look for organic foods as well as those cautious of their diet could be persuaded to turn kosher.




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