Balkan Kosher

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Balkan Kosher is the leader in Kosher certification in the Balkan region, and has Kosher products throughout the world.

Balkan Kosher is a branch of Balkan Jewish Communities, a non-profit organization, with offices in Greece, Albania, Israel and USA Balkan Kosher is proud to be the leader in strengthening Kosher output in the Balkan region and in facilitating availability of Balkan Kosher products throughout the world.
Balkan Kosher provides Kosher food Consultations, Supervisions & Certifications primarily throughout the Balkans. From our offices in Thessaloniki and Tirana, we are easily available throughout Greece, Albania, Montenegro and all countries in the Balkan and Mediterranean region. With offices in Israel and the USA, and agreements with other Kosher organizations, we are able to help facilitate international commerce. We are working with clients and vendors to Kosherize products and services for the benefit of tourism and local economies. Our clients are food manufacturers seeking to expand into the Kosher market place and hotels that cater Jewish events and tourists as well as to consumers that rely upon the high standards of kosher certification for Halal and other dietary needs.
Balkan Kosher is a branch of Balkan Jewish Communities, a non-profit organization

11/02/2026

✨ Tahini on the Shabbat Table ✨

Tahini is more than just a food — it’s a tradition.

On the Shabbat table, tahini represents simplicity, nourishment, and continuity. Made from pure sesame seeds, it connects ancient Middle Eastern flavors with generations of Jewish home cooking.

From salads and dips to fish, vegetables, and even sweet dishes — tahini brings depth, balance, and warmth to the meal. It’s plant-based, wholesome, and naturally fits the spirit of Shabbat: good food, shared calmly, around one table.

In many homes, a bowl of tahini isn’t optional — it’s part of what makes Shabbat feel complete.

🕯️ Simple. Nourishing. Timeless.

08/02/2026

From Seed to Stone: The Art of Authentic Tahini 🍯🌱

Ever wondered how those tiny sesame seeds transform into the creamy, "liquid gold" we call Tahini? While it’s a staple in kitchens worldwide, the highest quality Tahini is still made using age-old Mediterranean secrets.

The Traditional Process:

Selection: It starts with the finest sesame seeds, often sourced for their high oil content and rich aroma.

Soaking & Peeling: The seeds are soaked in water to remove the hulls gently, ensuring a smooth, non-bitter finish.

Slow Roasting: This is where the magic happens! The seeds are lightly roasted to bring out a deep, nutty flavor.

Stone Grinding: The best Tahini is stone-ground. Traditional mills grind the seeds slowly at low temperatures to preserve the natural nutrients and silky texture. 🏛️

The Kosher Standard: Today, some of the world’s finest Tahini is produced in Greece and across the Balkans, combining these ancient methods with modern supervision. We are proud to see premium production lines operating under the "Balkan Kosher" certification. ✡️

This ensures that from the moment the seeds enter the facility to the final bottling, every step meets the strictest Kosher laws while maintaining the authentic artisan quality that Mediterranean producers are famous for.

Whether you're drizzling it over salad, using it for hummus, or pairing it with your favorite Balkan Kosher Halva, you are tasting centuries of tradition. 🥗✨

04/02/2026

The World’s Favorite Sweet: Greek Halva Goes Global 🍯🇬🇷

Did you know that Greece is one of the world’s leading exporters of Halva? Every year, tens of thousands of tons of this "golden treat" are exported from Greece to every corner of the globe—from Europe and North America to the Middle East. 🌍

What makes Greek Halva so special? It’s all about the traditional artisan methods. Made from premium crushed sesame seeds (tahini), it’s famous for its unique crumbly-yet-melting texture and rich Mediterranean flavor.

Now, there’s great news for the Kosher world! ✡️ You can now enjoy authentic, world-class Greek Halva under the prestigious "Balkan Kosher" certification. Led by Rabbi Yoel Kaplan, this certification ensures that the highest standards of Kosher production are met without compromising on the traditional Greek taste.

From classic vanilla and marble to Halva topped with crunchy Mediterranean pistachios—the best of Greece is now available for the Kosher consumer worldwide! ✈️📦

01/02/2026

The Eternal Bond: Israel and the Olive 🌿🇮🇱

The connection between the Land of Israel and the olive tree is ancient and unbreakable. As one of the Seven Species mentioned in the Bible, the olive has symbolized peace, wisdom, and the deep roots of our heritage for thousands of years.

What’s fascinating is that today, the world of gourmet olives and fine wine are perfectly intertwined. There is a golden rule in agriculture: The countries that produce the world’s most elite wines—like Israel, Greece, Italy, and France—are the same ones producing the finest olives. 🍷🫒

The reason? It's all about the Terroir. The same Mediterranean sun, rocky soil, and coastal breeze that give grapes their complex character are exactly what an olive tree needs to produce oil with a perfect flavor profile.

From the ancient stone presses of the Galilee to the modern gourmet tables of the world, the olive remains the ultimate symbol of quality and tradition.

28/01/2026

The Olive Tree: A Masterpiece of Nature and Art 🎨🫒

Through the centuries, classical art hasn’t just captured beauty; it has captured symbols. The olive tree, with its gnarled trunk and silver-green leaves, has been a favorite subject for artists seeking to depict peace, endurance, and the spirit of the Mediterranean.

The Iconic Example: Vincent van Gogh While many painted olives, no one did it quite like Van Gogh. In 1889, while staying in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, he painted a famous series of "Olive Trees."

For Vincent, these trees were sacred. He used swirling, rhythmic brushstrokes to show the "life force" vibrating through them. In his letters, he described the silver shades of the leaves as a challenge to capture—sometimes greenish, sometimes blue, and always shimmering under the sun. ☀️🖼️

Why the Olive?

In Ancient Art: It represented victory and wisdom (think of the Greek Olympic wreaths).

In Renaissance Art: It was the ultimate symbol of peace and spiritual purity.

In Impressionism: It was all about the play of light on those unique, dusty leaves.

Next time you drizzle some olive oil or see a gnarled tree, remember: you’re looking at a living piece of art that has inspired masters for millennia. 🌿✨

25/01/2026

The Secret to Greek Liquid Gold 🫒🇬🇷

Ever wondered why Greek olive oil tastes so different? It’s not just the soil—it’s an art form. Here is how the best "Liquid Gold" is made:

The Harvest (Early is Best): The finest oil comes from green, unripe olives harvested by hand in early autumn (Agourelaio). It's packed with more antioxidants and that signature peppery kick! 🌶️

Cold Pressed (Under 27°C): To keep it Kosher and high-quality, the olives are crushed within hours of picking. "Cold pressing" ensures the flavor and health benefits aren't destroyed by heat.

Pure & Unfiltered: The best Greek oil is often left unfiltered for a short time to retain its raw, fruity essence.

Dark Glass Only: Sunlight is the enemy! The pros store their oil in dark bottles to keep it fresh from the grove to your table.

Pro Tip: Look for the "Extra Virgin" label and a single origin (like Crete or Kalamata) for the most authentic experience. 🍋🌿

Pure, healthy, and 100% Kosher by nature.

21/01/2026

Greektown vibes in a Kosher kitchen! 🇬🇷✨

Who says you need to travel to eat like a local? Today we’re diving into a Mediterranean classic: Crispy Spinach & Feta Spanikopita. 🧀🥬

Greek cuisine is a Kosher dream—full of fresh fish, olive oil, and amazing dairy. It’s light, healthy, and 100% delicious.

Mediterranean flavors, zero compromises. 🍋🌊

18/01/2026

Did you know the roots of the word “Kosher”?

The word Kosher comes from the Hebrew word כשר (kasher), which literally means “fit” or “proper.” Originally, it referred to food that meets Jewish dietary laws, but its deeper meaning is about suitability, correctness, and integrity.

When we say food is kosher, it’s not just about rules—it’s about care, respect, and tradition. It’s food that is “fit” in every sense.

Next time you see “Kosher,” remember: it’s more than a label—it’s a word with deep roots, guiding what’s proper and right.

15/12/2025

🍽️ Do Dishware and Utensils Need to Be Kosher?

Yes – in Jewish law, dishware, utensils, and kitchen equipment do need to be kosher. However, you won’t see a “kosher certification” label on them like you do on food products.

Why? Because koshering utensils is about how they’re used and cleaned, not how they’re manufactured. For example, pots and pans can become kosher through proper cleaning and ritual methods, even if they were never labeled.

So while they may not carry a stamp, proper kosher handling is essential for maintaining a kosher kitchen!

11/12/2025

🧂 Does Salt Need to Be Kosher? No!

Many people wonder if basic ingredients like salt need kosher certification. The answer is no – pure salt is naturally kosher. Since it’s a mineral and doesn’t involve animals or complex processing, there’s no requirement for kosher supervision.

That said, if salt is part of a seasoned or flavored mix, it may need kosher certification to ensure all added ingredients comply. But plain salt? Totally kosher by nature!

08/12/2025

🍷 Is Kosher Wine Worth It?

Kosher wine isn’t just for religious reasons – it can be a real treat for anyone who loves quality wine! Certified kosher wines undergo strict supervision, ensuring that every step, from grape harvesting to bottling, meets meticulous standards.

Many kosher wines come from premium vineyards and offer unique flavors that rival non-kosher options. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a glass with friends, kosher wine guarantees quality, care, and authenticity.

💡 So yes – kosher wine is definitely worth trying, whether for tradition, taste, or just curiosity!

04/12/2025

🔍 Does “Kosher” Also Mean Sterile Production? Yes!

Many people wonder: does the kosher label only indicate compliance with Jewish dietary laws, or does it also guarantee a clean and sterile production process? The answer is yes – in most cases, kosher-certified products are made under strict supervision, ensuring high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the production.

This doesn’t replace official food safety regulations, but it does add an extra layer of assurance for consumers who value purity, quality, and meticulous handling.

So next time you see a kosher certification, know that it’s not just about religious rules – it often reflects careful, hygienic production as well.

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Thessaloníki

Website

http://www.balkankosher.org/

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