General Kashrus Policies

According to cRc policy, one is permitted to thoroughly puree produce (when purchased for the purpose of blending) that is only moderately infested with insects (e.g., industrially frozen strawberries), or not known to be infested (e.g., apples, carrots, zucchini), without additional checking.

With regards to more heavily infested produce (e.g., the produce listed below), one would have to soak and swish well in soapy water for approximately a minute prior to pureeing. Unless stated otherwise, "soap" means a small amount of soap or vegetable wash, just enough to make the produce a bit slippery. Some produce requires multiple washes, as listed below. It is not necessary to put soap in every round, just the first, third and fifth (if additional washes are required, as noted).

The following list applies to both fresh and frozen produce, unless otherwise specified. If the produce is frozen, let it sit in water until the outside is partially defrosted. This does not apply to home-grown or U-Pick produce.

Non-organic:
Asparagus: 2 washes
Blackberries: 2 washes
Blueberries: puree as-is; no additional washing or checking needed
Broccoli: break into smaller florets, soak in warm water for 20 minutes, then 3 washes
Cauliflower: break into smaller florets, then 1 wash
Herbs, as part of a thick mixture: 1 wash
Kale: 3 washes; if packaging states "triple washed", then only 2 washes are needed
Microgreens, fresh: 1 wash
Raspberries: 2 washes
Spinach: 2 washes
Strawberries, fresh: Swish vigorously in very soapy water once
Strawberries, industrially frozen: puree as-is; no additional washing or checking needed

Organic:
Asparagus: 3 washes
Blackberries, fresh: 3 washes
Blackberries, frozen: 2 washes
Blueberries, fresh: 1 wash
Blueberries, frozen: puree as-is; no additional washing or checking needed
Broccoli: break into smaller florets, soak in warm water for 20 minutes, then 5 washes
Cauliflower: break into smaller florets, then 1 wash
Herbs, as part of a thick mixture: 3 washes
Kale: 5 washes; if packaging states "triple washed", then only 3 washes are needed
Microgreens, fresh: 2 washes
Raspberries, fresh: 3 washes
Raspberries, frozen: 2 washes
Spinach: 3 washes; if packaging states "triple washed", then only 2 washes are needed
Strawberries, fresh: Swish vigorously in "very soapy" water once, and repeat in plain water
Strawberries, industrially frozen: puree as-is; no additional washing or checking needed

When one is using a blender to puree, there should always be some torque/friction involved, to ensure that it will get properly pureed. If there isn't any torque, we recommend adding a couple of ice cubes, along with the produce.

Note: This list is subject to change.