Kitniyot
What Are Kitniyot?
Kitniyot (קִטְנִיּוֹת, also pronounced kitniyos) are a class of foods that many Ashkenazim and some Sefardim do not eat on Passover since they may be conflated with bread or other chametz products, which may not be eaten on the holiday. In addition to legumes, this prohibition includes rice, beans and corn.
Why Are Kitniyot Avoided?
The medieval Jewish sages placed a ban on eating legumes on Passover because they are similar in texture to chametz—even bread can be made out of their flour—so people might assume that if, for example, cornbread can be eaten on Passover, wheat or rye bread can be eaten too.
Who and What Are Included?
This injunction was unanimously accepted by Ashkenazic Jews; many Sephardic Jews, however, continue to eat kitniyot on Passover. If you are Sephardic, speak to your rabbi to determine your family and community tradition.
The prohibition is only with regards to consumption of kitniyot; there is no obligation, however, to destroy or sell kitniyot products before Passover.
Read an In-Depth Article on Kitniyot Kitniyot are a class of foods--including rice, beans, and corn--which Ashkenazim universally avoid eating on Passover.
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Is Popcorn Kosher for Passover? Popcorn is made from corn, which is included in the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Is Corn Kosher for Passover? Corn is included in the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Is Rice Kosher for Passover? Rice falls under the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Are Lentils Kosher for Passover? Lentils are included in the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Are Tofu and Other Soy Products Kosher for Passover? Tofu, soy milk, soy burgers, edamame, miso, tempeh, and soy sauce are all forbidden for Ashkenazim on Pesach.
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Is Tahini Kosher for Passover? The major component of tahini is sesame. Sesame seeds fall
under the general class of kitniyot,
foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Is Buckwheat Kosher for Passover? Buckwheat is included in the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Are Beans Kosher for Passover? Beans are included in the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Is Falafel Kosher for Passover? The primary component of falafel is chickpeas (or fava beans), which are included in the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Are Green Beans Kosher for Passover? Green beans fall under the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Is Mustard Kosher for Passover? Mustard falls under the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Are Chickpeas Kosher for Passover? Chickpeas fall under the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Are Rice Noodles Kosher for Passover? Rice noodles fall under the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Are Sunflower Seeds Kosher for Passover? Sunflower seeds fall under the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Is Canola Oil Kosher for Passover? Canola (rapeseed) oil is considered kitniyot, which Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) avoid on Passover.
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Are Chia Seeds Kosher for Passover? Chia seeds are not chametz, nor are they considered kitniyot, but should only be used with reliable kosher-for-Passover certification due to possible cross-contamination.
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Is Halva Kosher for Passover? Halva falls under the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Is Corn Starch Kosher for Passover? Corn starch falls under the general class of kitniyot, foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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Are Sesame Seeds Kosher for Passover? Sesame seeds fall
under the general class of kitniyot,
foods that Ashkenazim (and some Sephardim) may not eat on Passover.
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