What does the term 'glatt kosher' refer to?

The term 'glatt kosher' specifically refers to stricter standards for animal slaughter, particularly in relation to the shechita process, which is the Jewish method of ritual slaughter. The word 'glatt' comes from the Yiddish term for "smooth" and is traditionally used to describe the thorough examination of an animal's lungs post-slaughter. If the lungs are free from adhesions, the meat is deemed glatt kosher, indicating a higher level of scrutiny in the slaughtering process to ensure the animal was healthy at the time of death. This sets it apart from regular kosher standards, which may allow for some imperfections as long as they do not violate overall kosher laws.

Other responses do not accurately capture the rigorous definition of glatt kosher. For instance, while vegetarian dietary laws are important in general dietary discussions, they do not apply in this context, as glatt kosher specifically pertains to meat products and their preparation. Similarly, cooking methods or less stringent practices do not align with the ethos behind the term 'glatt,' which emphasizes a more stringent observance of kosher laws.