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In the great debate that won’t abate…

Over the past few days, both the OU and the Star-K have released their statements on quinoa for Passover 2013.

This year, the OU has crossed that threshold that they’ve been threatening to cross for the last few years – and declared that quinoa may be kitniyot and therefore may not be eaten by those of Ashkenazi descent who don’t eat kitniyot.

From the OU’s website:

The following may be Kitniyot and are therefore not used:

Amaranth

Peanuts

Quinoa Update! Thanks to a reader, who just pointed out to me that quinoa has mysteriously disappeared from the OU’s Passover page. It was there at 9:30 this morning when I posted… and now it’s not there – just peanuts and amaranth. Does that mean they are taking this under advisement? I don’t know – I’ve emailed their Passover hotline and will update when I hear anything.

The Star-K, on the other hand, is still certifying quinoa – and therefore recommends that only quinoa with a reliable Kosher for Passover certification be used for Pesach.

Quinoa is Kosher L’Pesach and is not related to the five types of chometz grains, millet or rice. However, because there is a possibility that quinoa grows in proximity of chometz grains and processed in facilities that compromise its Kosher for Passover status, quinoa should only be accepted with a reliable Kosher for Passover supervision.

This article from the Star-K’s website lists the various brands of quinoa that will be certified for this Passover.

So, will you be eating quinoa this Pesach?

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons