Matzah Meal

Matzah meal is a type of flour made from unleavened bread, traditionally matzah. It is produced by baking thin sheets of dough made from flour and water, and then grinding the baked matzah into a coarse meal. This process results in a dry, crumbly ingredient.

Matzah meal is primarily used as a binder and thickener in foods like gefilte fish, matzah balls, and kugel. Its absorbent texture makes it suitable for binding ingredients in patties and dumplings. It is also used in some baked goods, particularly those following traditional Jewish recipes.

Matzah meal is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food use. It is a source of carbohydrates and provides some fiber, depending on the type of flour used. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have not specifically evaluated matzah meal as a distinct ingredient, but its components are widely studied. Typical consumption as part of a balanced diet is not associated with adverse health effects.