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DonateChapter 11: Blessing on Legumes, Crop Seeds, and grains – Mezonos, Ha’adama, Shehakol
Kernels and seeds may be defined as a grain, legume, or seed, and can have either the blessing of Shehakol, Ha’adama, or Mezonos. This depends on a number of factors including, the species and how it is prepared. For example, as we learned in length in chapters 8 through 10, a food that is made of the five grains can potentially become Mezonos or Hamotzi depending on how it is made. All other species that are not of the five grains can never become Mezonos or Hamotzi, with the exception to rice, which theoretically is Mezonos [but not Al Hamichya], although practically is under question as will be explained in Halacha 4. The blessing on non-five grain kernels is either Shehakol or Ha’adama, depending on how it is made, as will be explained in Halacha 3.
A food that is made of the five grains can potentially become Mezonos or Hamotzi depending on how it is made [i.e. boiled versus baked kernels, and cooked or baked goods of dough] as we learned in length in chapters 8 through 10. Its blessing can likewise be Ha’adama, as we ruled regarding puffed wheat in Chapter 10. Its blessing can even be Shehakol, such as wheat flour that is added to a very liquidy protein shake as we ruled in Chapter 10.
Raw wheat:
Ground:[1] Raw wheat that has been ground is Shehakol even if it still has choppy pieces of flour and tastes like wheat.
Whole:[2] Whole wheat kernels are Ha’adama. This applies according to all opinions as the main use of grains is for bread and hence while ground it loses its blessing.
- Legumes, pulses, cereal grains, & crop seeds, [i.e. lentils, beans, chickpeas, buckwheat, corn, sunflower seeds, quinoa]:[3]
All species that are not of the five grains, whether they are defined as cereal grains [i.e. corn], or as legumes [i.e. Beans, Lentils, Peas, Chickpeas, Soybeans, peanuts], or as crop seeds [Sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and chia seeds], is either Shehakol or Ha’adama depending on how it is made, with the exception to rice and millet which will be explained in Halacha 4.
Cooked – Whole or cracked legumes or seeds:[4] Cooked whole kernels or crop seeds receive the blessing of Ha’adama and Borei Nefashos. This applies even if they have become partially disintegrated due to the cooking, so long as they remain partially whole. Likewise, if the kernels have been chopped to pieces [i.e. cracked kernels], but not ground into flour, their blessing remains Ha’adama. If due to the cooking the legumes have disintegrated to the point they are no longer recognizable then they are Shehakol.[5]
Cooked – Ground legumes or seeds [i.e. course and fine flour]:[6] Cooked ground kernels or crop seeds receive the blessing of Shehakol and Borei Nefashos. Hence, all legume bread, legume crackers, and legume porridge from ground legumes is Shehakol. This applies even if the kernels are not finely ground and certainly if the kernels have been ground into flour. However, if the kernels have not been finely ground and hence course pieces of kernel flour remain, then Bedieved one fulfills his obligation with the blessing of Ha’adama, even though initially the blessing remains Shehakol.[7]
Mashed cooked legumes:[8] Whole legumes which have been cooked and then mashed using a spoon are Ha’adama, being that they still retain their appearance, and it is a common way of eating. However, if one mashes them using a spoon masher that contains perforations, that it’s blessing is Shehakol.
Roasted or puffed:[9] Puffed whole kernels or crop seeds receive the blessing of Ha’adama and Borei Nefashos if it is common to eat them in this method. [Thus, popcorn is Ha’adama.[10]] Otherwise, their blessing is Shehakol.
Raw:[11] Raw kernels or seeds which are not edible do not receive a blessing upon being eaten. If edible [i.e. raw flax or chia seeds], then their blessing is Ha’adama and Borei Nefashos.
Seeds of fruits and vegetables [i.e. watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds]:[12] The above law which states that seeds receive the blessing of Ha’adama refers only to crop seeds which are seeds that grow from plants that are primarily harvested for the sake of their seed. However, seeds of fruits and vegetables which are a secondary product of fruit cultivation receive the blessing of Shehakol, unless the seeds are also naturally sweet and fit for eating just like the fruit itself. If however the seeds are inedible and only become fit for eating upon roasting them, then no blessing is said upon eating them raw while the blessing of Shehakol is recited when eating them roasted.
| Type | Preparation | Blessing | Notes |
| Legumes, pulses, cereal grains, crop seeds | Cooked, whole or cracked | Ha’adama, Borei Nefashos | Even if partially disintegrated, as long as partially whole; chopped but not ground remains Ha’adama |
| Legumes, pulses, cereal grains, crop seeds | Cooked, ground (course or fine flour) | Shehakol, Borei Nefashos | All legume bread, crackers, porridge from ground legumes is Shehakol; if not finely ground, bedieved Ha’adama |
| Mashed cooked legumes | Mashed with spoon | Ha’adama | Still retain appearance, common way of eating |
| Mashed cooked legumes | Mashed with spoon masher (perforations) | Shehakol | |
| Legumes, pulses, cereal grains, crop seeds | Roasted or puffed | Ha’adama, Borei Nefashos | If common to eat this way (e.g. popcorn); otherwise Shehakol |
| Legumes, pulses, cereal grains, crop seeds | Raw, not edible | No blessing | |
| Legumes, pulses, cereal grains, crop seeds | Raw, edible (e.g. flax, chia) | Ha’adama, Borei Nefashos | |
| Seeds of fruits and vegetables | Raw, inedible | No blessing | |
| Seeds of fruits and vegetables | Roasted, edible | Shehakol | If only fit for eating when roasted |
| Seeds of fruits and vegetables | Raw, naturally sweet and fit for eating | Shehakol | Unless seeds are like fruit itself |
Blessing chart for legume and seed-based products
| Food | Bracha |
| Bamba [ground corn] | Shehakol |
| Beans [cooked whole] | Ha’adama |
| Buckwheat [cooked whole – Kasha] | Ha’adama |
| Corn – Whole in can, cooked, or on Cob | Ha’adama |
| Cornflakes [ground corn] | Shehakol |
| Corn syrup [candies] | Shehakol |
| Chalva [ground sesame] | Shehakol |
| Chia | Ha’adama |
| Chickpeas [cooked whole] | Ha’adama |
| Chulent without five grains | Ha’adama on whole beans if is majority |
| Flax seeds | Ha’adama |
| Humus Dip [cooked and ground chickpeas] | Shehakol |
| Kasha [cooked whole buckwheat] | Ha’adama |
| Kusemet = Buckwheat | Ha’adama |
| Kusmin = Wheat | Mezonos/Hamozi |
| Lentils [cooked] | Ha’adama |
| Millet [cooked ground and whole] | Shehakol, although a G-d fearing Jews eats within a meal |
| Peanuts | Ha’adama |
| Popcorn | Ha’adama |
| Porridge from legumes or crop seeds | Shehakol |
| Pumpkin seeds | Shehakol; Bedieved if said Ha’adama is Yotzei[13] |
| Quinoa | Ha’adama |
| Sesame seeds | Ha’adama |
| Soybean – Cooked whole | Ha’adama |
| Soybean products [ground soybean] | Shehakol |
| Sunflower seeds | Ha’adama |
| Tahini | Shehakol[14] |
| Watermelon seeds | Shehakol |
- Rice and Millet:[15]
- Background:
The blessing on “Orez”: The food known as Orez that has been cooked to the point that it has become mashed receives the before blessing of Mezonos [as it satiates the heart similar to all Mezonos products[16]], although receives the after blessing of Borei Nefashos [as it is not from the seven Minim of Israel[17]]. Likewise, Orez which has been ground into flour and then made into bread or crackers receives the before blessing of Mezonos, although receives the after blessing of Borei Nefashos.[18] [If one accidently recites Ha’adama on this product, some Poskim[19] rule that he does not fulfill his obligation. See Chapter 10 Halacha 1.] If the Orez is cooked whole and has not disintegrated in the cooking process, then [while some Poskim[20] rule its blessing is Ha’adama or Shehakol other] Poskim[21] rule its blessing is Mezonos, just like ground Orez. Practically, due to doubt, it is proper to recite the blessing of Shehakol on whole cooked Orez[22] [when eaten outside of a meal, although initially, a G-d fearing Jew should only eat it within a meal[23]], although if one said the blessing of Ha’adama [or Mezonos], then he fulfills his obligation.[24]
The definition of Orez:[25] There is some confusion and conflict regarding the definition of the species known as Orez described above. The widespread custom of the world is to refer to Orez as rice, and Hirz as millet.[26] However, there are those which explain that in truth rice is known as Hirz, while Orez refers to Millet.[27] This creates major confusion regarding what the proper blessing should be over rice and millet, and practically due to this debate a G-d-fearing Jew is to only eat rice and millet within a meal [of washing for bread], whether the rice and millet is cooked whole or has disintegrated [or turned to flour[28]].[29] If one is unable to eat it within a meal of bread, then he is to say Shehakol on the rice and millet due to the doubt.[30]
- Practical blessing:[31]
Due to the doubt explained above, every G-d fearing Jew is to only eat cooked rice and millet or their baked product [i.e. crackers or bread] within a meal [of washing for real bread].[32] If one is unable to eat it within a meal of bread, then if he does not have other foods available to cover them in their blessing, then he is to say Shehakol on the rice and millet due to the doubt.[33] However, if he has other foods available over which he can recite a blessing and have the rice or millet included within it, then the following debate is recorded:
Whole rice or millet: If one is unable to eat it within a meal of bread, and he has other foods available to cover them in their blessing, then some Rabbanim[34] rule that one is say a Ha’adama[35], Mezonos[36] and Shehakol[37] on other foods. Others[38] rule that only Mezonos and Ha’adama are to be said on other foods and there is no need to say Shehakol on other foods. Others[39] rule there is no advantage in saying the blessings on other foods and rather one is to say Shehakol directly on the rice. According to all, if one does not have other foods available to say Ha’adama/Mezonos he may say Shehakol directly on the rice.
Mashed or flour made into cracker or bread:[40] If one is unable to eat it within a meal of bread, and he has other foods available to cover them in their blessing, then one is to recite Mezonos[41] and Shehakol[42] on other foods. [However, there is no need to recite Ha’adama on another food, as its blessing is either Mezonos or Shehakol and not Ha’adama.[43]] However, as stated above, some[44] rule there is no advantage in saying the blessings on other foods and rather one is to say Shehakol directly on the rice.
Roasted or puffed rice –Rice cake & rice crispies:[45] One recites Ha’adama on rice cakes.[46] Likewise, the same applies to rice cereal that the blessing of Ha’adama is said.[47] Nonetheless, some learn that it is best to recite Ha’adama and Shehakol on two other foods upon eating rice cake, or puffed rice cereal, due to doubt.[48] However, according to all, there is no need to recite Mezonos as there is no opinion which holds it to be Mezonos, as it is baked and not cooked.
Summary:
It is recommended to eat rice and millet within a meal that includes bread due to the doubts regarding their blessings. If one cannot do so, the following rules apply:
- For whole rice or millet, if other foods are available to recite blessings over, one is to say Mezonos, Hadama, and Shehakol on other foods first. If not available, then one is to recite Shehakol directly on the rice.
- For mashed or flour forms made into crackers or bread, recite Mezonos and Shehakol on other foods. If not available, then one is to recite Shehakol directly on the rice.
- For roasted or puffed rice: One recites Ha’adama on rice cakes. Likewise, the same applies to rice cereal that the blessing of Ha’adama is said.
May one eat a small amount of bread in order to exempt the rice?[49]
One who is G-d-fearing and wishes to only eat rice within a meal, may recite the blessing of Hamotzi on a small amount of bread for the sake of exempting the rice, and is not required to eat a full Kezayis of bread. See volume 2 under the Chapter of Devarim Hatefeilim Liseuda for the full details of this matter.
| Type of Rice/Millet | Scenario | Available Blessings | Rulings |
| Whole rice or millet | Unable to eat within a meal of bread, has other foods | Hadama, Mezonos, Shehakol | Some rule to say Hadama, Mezonos, Shehakol on other foods; Others rule only Mezonos and Hadama; Others rule to say Shehakol directly on rice; Others say Mezonos on rice |
| Whole rice or millet | Does not have other foods | Shehakol | Say Shehakol directly on the rice; Others say Mezonos on rice |
| Mashed or flour made into cracker or bread | Unable to eat within a meal of bread, has other foods | Mezonos, Shehakol | Recite Mezonos and Shehakol on other foods; Some rule to say Shehakol directly on rice |
| Roasted or puffed rice – Rice cake | Eating rice cake or puffed rice cereal | Hadama, Shehakol | Some rule to recite Hadama and Shehakol on two other foods; Others rule to recite Hadama directly on rice cakes and rice cereal |
[1] Seder 7:22-23; Admur 202:17; Ketzos Hashulchan 52:3
[2] Seder 7:23
[3] See Seder 1:10; 7:22 and 24; Luach 1:8-9; 10:24; Admur 202:17; 24;
[4] Seder 1:10 and Michaber 208:8 regarding Millet; M”B 208:38; Ketzos Hashulchan 51:4
[5] Seder 7:22 and 24; Luach 1:8-9; 10:24; Admur 202:17; 24; Ketzos Hashulchan 51:4
[6] Seder 1:10; 7:22 and 24; Luach 1:8-9; 10:24; Admur 202:17; 24; Michaber 208:8; Taz 208:11; Rif Brachos 26a; Rambam Brachos 3:10; Rabbeinu Yona Brachos 26a; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:21
[7] The law by coarsely ground, versus finely ground into flour: If the kernels have been ground to the point that they turned into flour [i.e. legume crackers or bread], then their blessing is Shehakol according to all opinions. If however they have been coarsely ground and hence pieces of the kernels still remain, then it is disputed amongst the Poskim as to whether the blessing on the cooked dish is Shehakol [1st opinion in Seder 7:24; Luach 10:24; Admur 202:24] or Ha’adama [2nd opinion in parentheses in Seder 7:24 based on opinion in Seder 7:22; Luach 10:24; Admur 202:24]. Practically, Safek Brachos Lihakel, and hence its blessing is Shehakol, although if he recited Ha’adama he fulfills his obligation Bedieved. [Seder 7:24; Luach 10:24; Admur 202:24; Rama 202:7; Teurmas Hadeshen 129]
[8] Luach 10:24; Admur 202:17; M”A 202:13; M”B 208:38
[9] Michaber and Rama 208:4 regarding roasted wheat and barley; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 205:5
[10] See Rav Moshe Feinstein, Sefer Torah V’hora’ah 12:13; Vezos Habracha p. 100, 395; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:16
[11] See Seder 6:3; M”B 202:2; Birchas Habayis 4:16; Vezos Habrcha 20:7Piskeiy Teshuvos 205:3
[12] Seder 6:3; Luach 9:3; Admur 202:8; Michaber 202:3; Rashba Brachos 36b; Ketzos Hashulchan 49 footnote 18
The main difference lies in their cultivation purpose. Seed crops like quinoa are grown specifically for their seeds, whereas fruit seeds are by-products of fruit-bearing plants.
[13] Ketzos Hashulchan 49 footnote 18
[14] Admur 202:17
[15] See Seder 1:10-11; Luach 1:9; Michaber 208:7-8; Kaf Hachaim 38-44; Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:13
[16] Rosh Brachos 6:8
[17] Rashi Brachos 37a; Rosh Brachos
Said Al Hamichyah after eating rice: Some Poskim rule that if one recited the after blessing of Al Hamichyah then he fulfills his obligation for rice. This applies whether he only ate rice, and accidentally said the blessing of Al Hamichyah, or if he ate both rice and a Mezonos product and recited Al Hamichyah on that product, then he may no longer say Borei Nefashos on the rice. [See Birkeiy Yosef 208:7; Mahariy Molko 34; Halachos Ketanos 1:40; Shaareiy Teshuvah 208:9; Ben Ish Chaiy Pinchas 18; Kaf Hachaim 208:41; Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:13] Practically, while some Poskim [Ben Ish Chaiy Pinchas 18; Kaf Hachaim 208:41] rule that one may even initially have the rice in mind upon saying Al Hamichya on a Mezonos product, it is best to avoid this matter and recite the Borei Nefashos over rice prior to reciting Al Hamichya, or to explicitly have in mind to not fulfill his obligation of the rice with Al Hamichya. [Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:13] However, Bedieved, if one already recited Al Hamichya on rice, then he is not repeat the after blessing.
[18] Seder 1:10; Luach 1:9; Michaber 208:7; Rambam Brachos 3:10; Rif Brachos 26a; Brachos 37a
[19] Ketzos Hashulchan 49 footnote 1
[20] Implication of Rama ibid; Taz 208:8 in opinion of previous Poskim; Beis Yosef 208 leaves this matter in question; Omitted from Admur ibid, Vetzaruch Iyun if when the rice is whole if the 1st opinion in Admur holds it is Ha’adama or Shekol, If Ha’adama, then why does Admur conclude to say Shehakol due to doubt. If they hold that it is Shehakol, why would it be different than all other legumes. [Hiskashrus 857] Practically see Kaf Hachaim 208:39 who writes that it is Ha’adama when whole, although some Poskim indeed hold that rice is always Shehakol. [Kol Bo 24 that whole millet/Dochen is Shehakol; Bahag, brought in Beis Yosef 208 in name of Rosh Brachos 6:8 that both rice and Dochen is Shehakol] See Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid footnote 86
[21] Opinion in Seder 1:10; Luach ibid; M”A 208:10; Rabbeinu Yona Brachos ibid; Kaf Hachaim 208:39 that so is opinion of Michaber ibid and so rule many Poskim and so is custom: Mateh Yehuda 208:5; Birkeiy Yosef 298:6; Machzik Bracha 208:1; Chesed Lealafim 208:7; Ben Ish Chaiy Pinchas 18
[22] Admur Seder ibid; Luach ibid; Halachos Ketanos 1:40
[23] As rules Admur in Seder 1:11
[24] Seder ibid; Taz 208:8
[25] Seder 1:11; Kaf Hachaim 208:38
[26] 1st opinion in Seder 1:11; Luach 1:10; Taz 208:11; M”A 208:9; Beis Yosef 208; Levush 208:7; Tosafus Brachos 37a
[27] 2nd opinion in Seder 1:11; Luach 1:10; Taz 208:11; M”A 208:9; Shelah Shaar Haosiyos Dinei Birchas Hanehnin 3:2; Maharil Likkutim p. 618; Hilchos Afiyas Matzos p. 60; Hilchos Machalos Assuros Pesach p. 134; Rashi Brachos 37a
[28] However, see footnote 89 of Rav Alyashvili who learns that breads or crackers made from millet receives even initially the blessing of Shehakol.
[29] Seder 1:11; Luach 1:9; M”A 208:9 [if crushed]; Shelah ibid; Bach 208; Taz 208:11 [even if whole]; Kneses Hagedola 208; M”B 208:25; Kaf Hachaim 208:38; Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:13
[30] Seder ibid; Luach ibid; M”A ibid; Taz ibid; Shelah ibid; Kaf Hachaim 208:38
[31] The custom of the world: The ruling above follows the ruling of Admur and that of almost all the Gedolei Hachronim. Nonetheless, we can’t ignore the fact that the widespread custom of the world, Sephardim and Ashkenazim alike, is to simply say the blessing of Mezonos on rice whether whole or mashed. [See Kaf Hachaim 208:39; Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:12 footnote 91; Sephardim: Mateh Yehuda 208:5; Birkeiy Yosef 298:6; Machzik Bracha 208:1; Chesed Lealafim 208:7; Ben Ish Chaiy Pinchas 18; Kaf Hachaim 208:39; Yabia Omer 8:22 Ashkenazim: Chasam Sofer O.C. 50; Maaseh Rav of Gra; Chazon Ish; Chassidim: Shulchan Hatahor 208:1
[32] Seder 1:11; Luach 1:9; M”A 208:9 [if crushed]; Shelah ibid; Bach 208; Taz 208:11 [even if whole]; Kneses Hagedola 208; M”B 208:25; Kaf Hachaim 208:38; Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:13 footnote 91
[33] Seder ibid; Luach ibid; M”A ibid; Taz ibid; Shelah ibid; Kaf Hachaim 208:38; Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:12 footnote 91
[34] Siddur Yaavetz Beis Haperas p. 107; Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:12 footnote 86; Rav Green [Biur Birchas Hanehnin p. 32 footnote 6]; Birchas Hanehnin Hamevuar [Rav Prus] p. 34; Shulchan Aruch Hakatzar 55:20; Rav Yehudah Leib Groner in name of Rav Zalman Shimon Dworkin and Rav Yisrael Jacobson
[35] As perhaps rice is really Dochen [Seder 1:11] and on Dochen which is cooked one says Ha’adama. [Michaber 208:8]. Furthermore, even if rice is really Orez there are opinions which say that whole rice is Ha’adama. [Seder 1:10]
[36] As perhaps rice is really Orez and even on cooked rice which is whole there is an opinion which says it blessing is Mezonos, even though it has not disintegrated, and certainly if it has. [Seder 1:10].
[37] As perhaps whole cooked rice is Shehakol according to the opinion who argues on the blessing of Mezonos.
[38] Rav Y”Y Ofen; Rav L.Y. Raskin
[39] Rav Levi Yitzchak Raskin; Rav Chaim Shaul Deitch; Luach Rav Alyashvili
[40] Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:12
[41] As perhaps rice is really Orez of which its blessing is Mezonos when disintegrated. [Seder 1:10].
[42] As perhaps rice is not Orez, and hence its bread or disintegrated dish is Shehakol, as rules Admur regarding millet
[43] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:12 footnote 90
[44] Implication of Admur in Seder ibid who omits this option; Rav Levi Yitzchak Raskin; Rav Chaim Shaul Deitch; Luach Rav Alyashvili
[45] See Hiskashrus 857; Birchas Habayis 11:6 that puffed rice is Shehakol; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:12 footnotes 96-97 that rice cake is Ha’adama while puffed rice is Shehakol while raw rice receives no blessing, although some hold even rice cake is Mezonos
How its made: Begin with lightly dried, cooked short- or medium-grain rice. The rice is put under high pressure and heated in a mold. When the pressure is released, the moisture expands quickly, puffing up the grains. The puffed rice is then shaped into discs and cooled to maintain their form.
[46] Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:12 footnote 96; Rav L.Y. Raskin
[47] See Birchas Habayis 11:6 and Piskeiy Teshuvos 208:12 footnotes 96-97 that puffed rice is Shehakol being that it is not common to eat rice in this method. However in today’s day and age it is extremely common to eat puffed rice cereal such as rice crispies and hence certainly it’s blessing would remain Ha’adama just like all legumes.
[48] See previous footnote for various opinions in Poskim regarding the Barcha, and hence to be Yotzei according to all we say all blessings
[49] See Admur 177:1 in parentheses “(Meal foods are only exempt from a before blessing during a meal of bread if one establishes his meal over bread, in which case all of the foods that are normally eaten with bread, in contrast to foods of satiation)”; Kuntrus Achron 177:2; Ketzos Hashulchan 40 footnote 2; Piskeiy Teshuvos 177:1; Tosafus Brachos 38a regarding Mezonos foods; Even Haozer 174 regarding all meal foods; Aruch Hashulchan 177:2 regarding all meal foods if eat a Kezayis of bread; Piskeiy Teshuvos 177:1
Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that there is no difference between Liftan foods and Mazon foods regarding the above doubt and question, and that therefore one should never eat a small amount of bread for the sake of exempting any meal food. [Setimas Haposkim, including M”A, M”B, Kaf Hachaim ibid who make no mention of this differentiation in the ruling] Some Poskim rule that if one eats less than a Kezayis of bread, then it never exempts the meal foods. [Aruch Hashulchan 177:2; Shulchan Hatahor 177:1; Igros Moshe O.C. 4:41; Piskeiy Teshuvos 177:1 footnote 3]
