Passover Spices

Cinnamon is a common spice used in the Charoset as part of the seder plate on Passover.

There are no distinct "Jewish spices," as many Jewish people around the world use a variety of herbs and spices year-round. During Passover, however, there are many prohibited spices that cannot be used until after the holiday. Purchased spices that are allowed during Passover also must meet a certain standard to be appropriate for consumption during the holiday.

Kosher for Passover

There is a great difference between the labels "Kosher" and "Kosher for Passover." While kosher food is acceptable for persons of the Jewish faith to consume on a regular daily basis, it is not acceptable to consume during Passover. There are additional items prohibited for consumption during Passover that aren't prohibited the rest of the year; these items are known as kitniyot. During the original Passover, the story holds that the Jews fleeing from Egypt did not have enough time to let their bread rise. As tribute to the history, during the holiday Jewish people do not eat any leavened items that include yeast, baking soda, wheat, oat or other grains aside from matzo. Many foodstuffs contain kitniyot items, such as wheat, as an additive or enhancer and are therefore not considered kosher for Passover.

Ground Spices

It is possible that dried and ground spices contain traces of kitniyot, as not all packages indicate what is used as an anti-caking agent or what other products are ground or bottled using the same machinery. Therefore, dried spices that don't contain the certification of being "Kosher for Passover" cannot be consumed because of the possibility of contaminants.

Whole or Fresh Solution

Aside from purchasing spices labeled "Kosher for Passover," the easiest solution is to buy fresh herbs and spices or whole dried spices, as whole or fresh items have no risk of containing dried additives. Dried ground herbs, along with spices, cannot be taken at face value if not labeled as appropriate for Passover.

Common Passover Spices

Though many foodstuffs are prohibited during Passover, Jewish cuisine does not suffer, as there are many traditional, comforting recipes made during the Passover that are full of flavor and spice. Common dishes include unleavened matzo bread, matzo soup, latkes and a variety of soups, dumplings, stews and pancakes made from matzo meal and potato starch. Common spices used in daily foodstuffs include salt, pepper, coriander, cumin and anise. During the Passover seder, the Charoset -- apple, nut and wine mixture -- contains cinnamon, and the Maror, or bitter herbs, usually consists of horseradish.

Kitniyot

Well-known kitniyot items prohibited by most, if not all, Jewish communities around the world include yeast, wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, spelt, rye and other grains that can be used to make bread. In terms of spices, the rules generally vary by community and local customs. Many Jewish communities consider sesame seed, mustard seed, sunflower seed, cardamom, fennel and poppy seeds to be kitniyot, and they are thus prohibited during Passover.

References

• OU Kosher: Observing the Passover Holiday
• Orthodox Union: Explaining the Mysteries of Kitniyot
• OU Kosher: Kitniyot List