Maror

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By: Rabbi Dovid Bistricer

Whether it’s the days immediately prior to Pesach, or throughout the yom tov itself, unquestionably, we always find ourselves in a period that encompasses myriads of details. Aside from the many halachos that pertain to cleaning for yom tov and riding oneself of possessing chometz, Pesach is also a time where one directly encounters many standard and unique kashrus sheilos. It is obviously impossible to thoroughly addresses even a few of the kashrus issues that are relevant to this special time. This article will specifically focus on the selection and preparation of maror.

A primary kashrus issue that arises with maror preparation is tolaim, insects. Leafy vegetables that may be used for maror can be infested with all sorts of interesting creatures. This matter is quite serious, since with the consumption of a single insect one can violate five Torah prohibitions. There is therefore a rabbinic obligation to check any vegetables that are fairly likely to contain insects. Vegetables requiring checking must be examined very scrupulously with a good source of light. Commonly found insects are very small but are clearly noticeable to the naked eye with just a little focus and concentration.

Romaine lettuce is commonly used for marror. This lettuce type is known as an open leaf variety. This means that as they sprout forth from the ground, the leaves begin to open up like a flower. Toward the end of their growth, they begin to close around the stalk. Since romaine lettuce grows open, they are much more prone to insect infestation throughout the head than other varieties of lettuce that primarily grow as a closed ball.
The insects most commonly found in open leaf lettuce are small black or green aphids and thrips. The leaves of the vegetable often camouflage these insects. The open structure of these vegetables allows insects to penetrate the entire head. Often, insects may be found between the innermost layers of leaves of an infested head. Therefore, each leaf must be washed and checked individually. The use of a light box for checking lettuce can be extremely convenient and helpful. However, even if a light box is not used it is crucial to examine both sides of each leaf against a good source of light.

Below are step by step recommendations how to properly check romaine lettuce for insects:

1. Cut off the lettuce base and separate the leaves from one another. 2. Soak leaves in a solution of cold water and soap. The proper amount of soap has been added when some bubbles are observed in the water.
3. Agitate lettuce leaves in the soapy solution. 4. Spread each leaf, taking care to expose all its curls and crevices. Using a heavy stream of water or sink hose, remove all foreign matter and soap from both sides of each leaf. Alternatively, a vegetable brush may be used on both sides of the leaf. 5. Leaves should be checked over a light box or against strong overhead lighting to verify that the washing procedure has been effective. Pay careful attention to the folds and crevices in the leaf where insects have been known to hold tightly through several washings.
Occasionally, worms may be found in burrows within the body of the leaf. Look for a narrow translucent burrow speckled with black dots breaking up the deep green color of the leaf. These burrows will often trap the worm within the leaf. To rid the leaf of these worms, carefully slit the bumpy part within the burrow with a sharp knife and remove the worm. It is important to note that many of these varieties feature curly leaves with many folds in which the insects tend to hide. It is therefore recommend that they be washed and checked with extreme caution.
To save time and avoid the tedious process of looking for insects, many consumers opt for romaine lettuce that is pre-washed and/or greenhouse grown. These lettuce varieties must bear a proper Pesach hechsher in order to be consumed without checking for insects beforehand. The importance of ensuring that the hechsher is acceptable can not be properly underscored. Growing produce in a greenhouse is not an automatic guarantee that one is protected from insects. Some greenhouses are only equipped to shield produce from intense sunlight or other environmental factors, but not tolaim. In addition, it is also possible that some companies might add vegetable wash or other cleansing agents that are not certified for Pesach to the wash water. The likelihood that these items are actually derived from chometz should not be a concern, although they could definitely be kitniyos based.

Some greenhouse grown produce is cultivated through hydroponics, which means that they are grown in water and not soil. Although the physical appearance of produce grown in either soil or water is identical, nevertheless, consumers can easily tell whether a vegetable is hydroponically grown by looking at the package. If the vegetables are grown in water the package will state as such. The proper beracha rishonah of hydroponically grown produce is a matter of dispute amongst poskim as to whether it is shehakol or ha’adamah. Therefore, some advise that romaine lettuce grown through hydroponics should not be used at the seder since it does not qualify as maror.

There are other minhagim as to what is used for maror. Romaine lettuce does not have a monopoly on the maror market, although its use is highly widespread. Some people use endives, which should not present a tolaim concern as long as they are washed very well. Raw horseradish is a root that some also might use that does not present a concern for insects.

Checking lettuce for insects is very nerve-racking to many any day of the year, and can certainly be so while preparing for Pesach when so many details and aspects revolving around the yom tov are scrutinized. However, two very important keys while bug checking include being very careful but also relaxed. It is important not to become overly stressed when performing this function, to ensure that it is done properly and will not ruin one’s yom tov in the process. Consumers who feel that they are in the dark in this area should feel free to contact kashrus agencies, who are more than willing to provide any assistance needed.

Enjoy Pesach!

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