Fruit for Thought: A Tu B’Shevat Quiz

1. Why is Tu B’Shevat a good time to review halachic issues related to dried fruits?*

A. Because it’s a holiday focused on trees and their produceB. Because dried fruits are only eaten during Tu B’ShevatC. Because Tu B’Shevat is the New Year for vegetablesD. Because dried fruits don’t need kosher certification

2. What is a common misconception about dried fruits?*

A. They are always organicB. They are just fruit with nothing addedC. They are always sweetened naturallyD. They are free from kosher concernsE. D and B

3. Which of the following is a common way tropical fruits like mango and papaya are processed?*

A. Frozen and thawedB. Dried naturally without any additivesC. Infused with syrup containing sweeteners, colors and flavorsD. Cooked and then frozen

4. What is a potential kashrut concern with stearates added to dried fruits like apples?*

A. They can be made from animal or vegetable sourcesB. They make the fruit too sticky to handleC. They are always non-kosherD. They are not allowed on Passover

5. Which dried fruits are commonly infused with sweeteners or syrup?*

A. Figs and datesB. Cherries, pineapple and cranberriesC. Raisins and prunesD. Apricots and plums

6. What kashrut issue can arise with the equipment used to dry fruits?*

A. The drying trays are too small for the fruitsB. The equipment may also be used for meats or fishC. The fruits can lose their natural flavorD. The trays are always treated with kosher oils

7. Why are imported raisins sometimes problematic?*

A. They are not sweet enoughB. The oils used might not be from kosher sourcesC. They are freeze-dried incorrectlyD. They often contain insect infestation

8. What should a consumer look for when checking dried fruits for insect infestation?*

A. A sweet smellB. Bright and plump fruitC. Signs of damage, webbing or insectsD. Flavors added to the fruit

9. Which dried fruits often require splitting open to check for insects?*

A. Pineapples and cranberriesB. Figs and datesC. Raisins and cherriesD. Bananas and papaya

10. What is one of the primary concerns about freeze-dried fruits?*

A. They are more expensive than sun-dried fruitsB. The facilities often process many types of foodsC. They are only produced in the United StatesD. They are not commonly available