Is quinoa 'Kosher for Passover'

Answer 1

There is a debate about quinoa, which until recently was not known outside of the Americas. Initially it was considered fine for Passover because it's not one of the forbidden grains (wheat, barley, oats, rye, spelt). However, there are some who say it isn't allowed for Ashkenazim because of how it may be processed. It's often grown with barley or processed in its proximity.

Ashkenazim (Jews of European-descent) stay away from foods that can become confused with grains, such as rice or legumes, or that become mixed with grains. This could include quinoa.

Sephardi (Eastern) Jews usually eat the above foods, so if you're Sephardi, quinoa is okay.

However, even for Ashkenazim, since quinoa is species-related to vegetables (such as spinach and beets), not to rice or any legume, and Rabbi Moshe Feinstein determined that there is no Torah-basis to extend the legume-stringency to new foods, some major Kashrut organizations have now certified quinoa for Passover use by all Jews. These include the OU, the Chicago Rabbinical Council and the Star-K.

For Passover use, quinoa should be bought only with a kosher-for-Passover certified label. Those who wish to be stringent may consult their own Rabbi before relying on the recent ruling.

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