I am a craft brewer in Israel and it’s important that all my ingredients be (certified) kosher - so that my beer would be ‘available’ to religious Jews.
I am having a real problem sourcing Hops and Irish Moss with a recognized “kosher” certification.
Any leads??
Thanks
DAvid
I guess I never realized “kosher” applied to plants. What does it take for hops to be kosher?
You’re right - and you’re wrong.
Plants - in nature - are of course, kosher. However, where kosher supervision would come to importance, is in the issues of preparing, say, processing the flowers, preparing hop pellets and packing.
Any suppliers for me??
Try this link:
Thanks for the explanation, lonetreedavid. For my edification, could you explain what it is in the processing, etc. that makes them either kosher or not?
I think its a rabbi supervising the processing (harvest, packing, etc) and certifying that it was done in accordance to their religious beliefs. I may be wrong, but I think its mostly done for meat processing to make sure it hasn’t been tainted with any pork products.
OP: I think pinnah’s link is what you are looking for.
I believe that when an animal is slaughtered kosher, it has to be killed by bleeding it, under Rabbi supervision. Not really anything to do with pork, although Kosher folk won’t eat pork. Sorry to be graphic, but that’s how it’s done.
Kosher info: Kashrut: Jewish Dietary Laws - Judaism 101 (JewFAQ)
Also, Shmaltz Brewing Company makes kosher beer (He’Brew brand). Maybe you can ask them what they use?
Growing your own in the back yard?
my friends parents were devout jewish and his father was a rabbi and im pretty sure i remember him tell me it all stems from the way something is blessed by him or around during its growth maybe?? could be a good market religion friendly hops
Contrary to popular misconception, rabbis or other religious officials do not “bless” food to make it kosher. There are blessings that observant Jews recite over food before eating it, but these blessings have nothing to do with making the food kosher. Food can be kosher without a rabbi or priest ever becoming involved with it: the vegetables from your garden are undoubtedly kosher (as long as they don’t have any bugs, which are not kosher!). However, in our modern world of processed foods, it is difficult to know what ingredients are in your food and how they were processed, so it is helpful to have a rabbi examine the food and its processing and assure kosher consumers that the food is kosher. Kashrut: Jewish Dietary Laws - Judaism 101 (JewFAQ)
Are we talking Glat Kosher?
Just dont let any gentiles or other non-Jews touch any of the ingredients.
Or Just Ask The a Rabbi. http://www.asktherabbi.org/
Kosher hops? Seriously? lol O…k…
I realize I’m not contributing anything to this thread, but IT’S BEER!
Religious beliefs sure are odd…
There are many odder things in this world I can think of. 
I personally would like to hear what the answer is David. Never occurred to me before. Everything in here so far is speculation. David would you be so kind as to explain what would be required for hops, or any other ingredient, to be certified kosher?
I worked once for a Kosher caterer and I know some of what is involved in the preperation and serving of food in keeping kosher but sadly, I never inquired more than what I needed to do my job.
I think many folks curiosities are peeked. I know mine is.
While not really wanting to get into a whole theological discussion; I’d like to give you a parallel situation. There is a (free) iPhone application called “Is your Beer Vegan?”. And from all the beers listed in the program - the answer is apparently a definite NO. So if beer was “just beer” then there would be no question ( maybe with the exception of cream stout). The point is that Hops are processed into pellets and it is important (to me) to know exactly what happens in that process. In the same way, Irish Moss - like a lot of seaweeds are coated with oil while being dryed.
I was thinking of the whole vegan beer question as well when I was typing my reply but I did not want to go off topic.
I personally am not looking for a theological discussion (or debate which I think is what you are suggesting/dreading?) I just really want to learn. I think it is a completely relevant and important thing to consider. I for one really want to learn your perspective David.
By the way, shall we assume there are no hop farms in Israel if you are having difficulty sourcing kosher hops?
did you guys click on pinnah’s link? this thread appears to be continuing on as if the question was not answered.
just checking.
Yes, I saw that one possible supplier was mentioned. I was just curious to learn more about the subject myself. I’m just a curious monkey I guess. 
I thought that was OK, just no religion. 
Six pack sez there’s a difference. I’d like to know too, even worse is Halal vs Kosher. It’s like brandy vs Cognac.
^ subtly but, pushing the envelope.^