Is Tomatillo avocado salsa Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is Kosher, we look for the "Big Three" non-compliant categories: dairy, meat, and bugs. The ingredients listed for this salsa—tomatillos, Hass avocados, water, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, lime juice, sea salt, and garlic—are all plant-derived.

There is a common misconception regarding avocados and Kosher laws due to the fruit's specific pollination biology (avocados are pollinated by bees). However, major Kosher certifying agencies (such as the CRC) have ruled that commercially grown avocados are acceptable because the pollination is handled by the grower, not the consumer.

Furthermore, the salsa lacks vinegar (which must be Kosher certified) or cheese (which requires Kosher rennet). Since the recipe relies on natural acidity from lime juice and tomatillos rather than vinegar, and contains no milk products, it passes the strictest Kosher scrutiny without requiring a specific certification symbol (Hechsher), provided it is not processed on equipment shared with non-Kosher foods.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this salsa is a high-value food. Avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar and promotes satiety. Tomatillos are low in calories but rich in antioxidants, specifically withanolides, which have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Because the recipe relies on lime juice and sea salt rather than sugar or heavy oils, it fits well into low-carb and ketogenic diet limits. A standard serving typically contains fewer than 50 calories, making it a guilt-free condiment for those monitoring their caloric intake.