Vegetable Shechita

To be considered kosher, a vegetable must undergo ritual slaughter (shechita). A smooth, razor-sharp knife with a blade free of nicks (chalef), cuts horizontally across the stem in one continuous act.

There are five basic disqualifications of shechita, which would render the vegetable neveila (not kosher):

1. Shehiya. There must be no pause or hesitation during the shechita.

2. Derassa. It must be accomplished by the sharpness of the blade, without undue pressure applied to the knife

3. Chalada. The knife must not be covered during the act of shechita.

4. Hagrama. The knife must not cut beyond the prescribed area.

5. Ikkur. The stem must not be uprooted from the vegetable during the shechita.