Kashering liver

Hi,

We have been learning about the prohibition against consuming blood.

Preparing kosher liver poses specific problems, because of the volume of blood within this organ as well as the problem of accessing the blood to withdraw it, and the problem of the blood's absorption on the utensils used in kashering the liver.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 73)

For detailed advice on kashering liver, please the Star-K article here.

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Consuming human blood

Hi,

We have learned about the prohibition against consuming animal blood; we are also prohibited from consuming human blood.

One whose own mouth is bleeding inside is not required to spit out that blood. However, if blood from his mouth gets on food that he is eating, he is required to scrape off the bloodied portion of the food rather than eat it.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 66:10)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Fish blood

Hi,

Fish blood is technically permitted. However, we do not eat it in a visible way, lest people think it was blood from an animal.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 66:9)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

An egg with a blood spot

Hi,

We have noted that one may not eat eggs that contain blood spots.

There is some debate as to whether one need throw out the whole egg, or not; some of this depends on where the blood is found, within the egg.

Because it is exceedingly unlikely that eggs marketed in North America will have been fertilized, many authorities are lenient and permit throwing out the actual spot and eating the rest of the egg. We may assume that the spot did not come from an embryonic chick.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 66:3-4, http://www.daat.ac.il/daat/english/journal/broyde-1.htm)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Checking eggs for blood spots

Hi,

We have noted the prohibition against eating eggs that contain blood spots.

Since the great majority of eggs do not contain blood, one may eat foods made with eggs even if the eggs cannot be checked, as in the case of hard-boiled eggs. However, one who does have the opportunity to check eggs before using them should do so.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 66:8)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Blood in eggs

Hi,

We don't eat blood in eggs, even if we are not sure that it comes from a partially formed chick.

Note, though, that much has been written regarding spots found in eggs that come from farms where hens lay unfertilized eggs. See, for example, here.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 66:2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Eating blood

Hi,

We are not permitted to eat blood from animals or birds.

(Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 66:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai