Kitniyos Kitniyos (legumes) such as corn, beans, peas and rice, may not be eaten by Ashkenazim on Pesach. Sefardim who use these products must ascertain that they contain no additives (such as vitamins), and must carefully check them before Pesach for extraneous matter. - There are a number of “Kosher for Pesach” products on the market that contain kitniyos, and are acceptable only for Sephardim. Many of these products will state on the label (often in Hebrew) that the item is to be used only by those whose custom allows for the use of kitniyos. - Sefardim should verify that a reliable certification endorses the kitniyos product for Pesach. Products that state just “Kosher for Pesach - Kitniyos” without identification of the certifying organization should not be relied upon. - The OU and the Star-K have introduced special Pesach certification symbols for products containing kitniyos (OU Kitniyot, as on Osem Bamba snacks, and Star-S-P Kitniyot, as on Carolina Mehadrin rice), for those who eat kitniyos. - Locally, The Grove [One Stop] Kosher Market has a separate marked section for Kitniyos products. Partial Listing of Kitniyos and Other Products Customarily Not Eaten on Pesach Anise* Beans Canola Oil Caraway Seeds Chickpeas Coriander* Corn (maize) Cumin* Dextrose (outside U.S. may be chometz) Fennel* Fenugreek* Green Beans Kasha (buckwheat) Kimmel* Lecithin Millet Mustard Peanuts Peas Poppy Seeds Rice Sesame Seeds Soy Beans String Beans Sunflower Seeds Tofu * Differing customs Kitniyos Derivatives Those who follow the prevalent custom of not using any derivatives of kitniyos (legumes) on Pesach, such as corn oil, corn syrup, dextrose, soybean oil and lecithin, should be aware that some products with Kosher for Pesach certifications do contain one or more of these ingredients. This applies especially to imported candies and chocolates. A careful check of the ingredients should be made. (Lecithin is sometimes listed just as “emulsifier”, and corn syrup as “glucose”. However, if the product bears a reliable Ashkenazi certification, one can be confident that the emulsifier or glucose listed is from non-kitniyos sources.) Quinoa Quinoa is subject to differing opinions as to whether it is considered kitniyos; consult your Rav. Those who use quinoa should use only brands with Pesach certification or approval, to avoid issues of other grains growing in close proximity, and contact with other grains during processing. Quinoa also needs to be checked carefully for insect infestation. See checking instructions at https://www.star-k.org/checking. 17
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