Daily Halacha Sunday 3rd Kisleiv – Halachic Botany: When a Plant Becomes Ha’eitz and the proper blessing on Bananas, Berries, and other fruits

When does a fruit become Haeitz – The trees which define a fruit as Haeitz versus Ha’adama:[1]

1. Introduction:

The relevance of defining a tree in Halacha: A precise definition of what constitutes a tree is essential in various aspects of Jewish law, particularly those pertaining to agriculture. For example, the classification of a plant as a tree or not affects the laws of Orlah (the prohibition of using fruit from trees in their first three years), Baal Tashchis (the prohibition against wasteful destruction, such as cutting down fruit trees), and the observance of Shabbos (where climbing and making use of trees is forbidden). It also plays a role in the laws of Shemita (the Sabbatical year), Kilayim (the prohibition of mixing species), Bikkurim (the obligation to bring first fruits), and Terumos and Ma’asros (tithes given from produce). It likewise plays relevance in the laws of blessings (brachos) over produce in helping determine over which produce one recites the blessing of Borei Pri Haeitz versus Borei Pri Ha’adama, and Atzei Besamim versus Isvei Besamim.

Its classification in Halacha: Botanically, a tree is defined as a perennial plant with a woody trunk that supports branches and leaves. However, the classification of a tree under Jewish law does not always align with botanical definitions; instead, it is determined by specific Halachic criteria. Additionally, the concept of what constitutes a tree varies across different areas within Jewish law, with distinctions evident from one legal context to another regarding its definition. For instance, in relation to the laws of Shabbos, where utilizing a tree is prohibited, the definition of a tree differs from that used in the context of blessings or Orlah. Similarly, the criteria for what constitutes a tree under the laws of Orlah and Shemita are distinct from those applied in the laws pertaining to blessings. Additionally, within the laws pertaining to blessings, there is a distinction between the criteria used to define a tree for the blessing of Haeitz over eating its fruit, and those employed when determining eligibility for the blessing of Borei Atzei Besamim upon smelling its spice. Hence, one must establish the correct Halachic definition of a tree within each distinct area of Jewish law, and one cannot necessarily apply a trees definition in one set of laws to another set of laws. The article below will explore specifically the classification of a tree used to distinguish between fruits that require the blessing of Borei Pri Haeitz and those that require Borei Pri Ha’adama.

Classification for Blessings over Food: The Halachic determination of whether to recite the blessing Borei Pri Haeitz or Borei Pri Ha’adama over produce depends on specific botanical characteristics that were specifically given with regards to blessings over fruit. These include whether the plant’s trunk, branches, or roots persist from year to year, as well as whether the fruits grow on branches or directly from the trunk, and the overall height of the plant. Below we will explore each one of these characteristics, any ensuing debates, and practical rulings and examples of fruits and their corresponding blessings.

1. A perennial plant:

The opinions: Some Poskim[2] rule that a tree is defined as a Haeitz tree even if it loses its trunk and branches annually and grows a new trunk and branches each year from which the new seasons fruits are produced, so long as its roots remain from year to year [i.e. everything above ground withers away in the winter, while its roots underground remain intact]. Other Poskim[3], however, rule that a tree is only defined as a Haeitz tree if both the root and trunk remains from year to year, although it may lose its branches and grow new branches each year and still remain Haeitz. If it loses its branches and trunk, then its Bracha is Ha’adama. Other Poskim[4], however, rule a tree is only defined as a Haeitz tree if both its root, trunk and branches remain from year to year. If even only the branches fall off in the winter and grow back in the summer, it is Hadama. [Furthermore, some Poskim[5] rule that a tree is only defined as a Haeitz tree if it grows to three Tefachim tall. However, other Poskim[6] rule it is Haeitz even in such a case and so is the ruling of Admur who omits this subject entirely.]

The Practical Ruling:[7] For the fruit of a tree to be Haeitz according to all opinions, its branches must remain permanently on the trunk. If the branches fall off in the winter and grow back in the summer, it is a dispute as to whether their blessing is Haeitz or Hadama, as explained above. Practically, Safek Brachos Lihakel, and hence one is to say the blessing of Hadama on all fruits of trees that the branches fall off from year to year, as rules the third stringent opinion. However, Bedieved, if one recited the blessing of Haeitz, he fulfills his obligation, as rule the second or first opinion. Hence, even if the trunk also falls off from year to year, if the roots remain from year to year then one fulfills his obligation Bedieved if he said the blessing of Haeitz, as rules the first opinion.[8]

• Examples of fruits that their trunks fall apart each year and then regrow:[9]

1. Bananas:[10] The banana tree loses its branches and trunk yearly[11], and hence some Poskim[12] learn that its blessing is under the debate between the first, versus the second and third opinion above. Therefore, the blessing on bananas is Hadama, although Bedieved if one recited Haietz he is Yotzei. However, some[13] learn that their blessing is Ha’adama according to all, being that the fruit does not grow on a branch, but rather on a stem, which is soft, and is hence Ha’adama as explained in the next Halacha. Practically, Safek brachos Lihakel and hence if one said Haeitz he is Yotzei Bedieved.
2. Certain forest raspberries.[14]

• Examples of fruits that their branches fall apart each year and then re-grow:[15]

1. Papaya:[16] Papayas grow on a tree-like plant. Though technically a large herbaceous plant, it has a single trunk with leaves at the top, resembling a tree. The fruit grows directly on the trunk in clusters, just beneath the leaves. The trunk of a papaya plant doesn’t usually fall apart in winter unless it’s exposed to freezing temperatures, which it doesn’t tolerate well. Papaya plants don’t actually have traditional “branches” like most trees; their trunk is more like a hollow, herbaceous stalk with large leaves growing directly from the top. These leaves do regularly fall off as part of the plant’s natural cycle. Practically, the blessing on papaya is Hadama.[17]
2. Passiflora (Passionfruit): Passionfruit grows on a climbing vine, not a tree or a traditional plant. The vine clings to structures like trellises or fences, producing beautiful flowers that develop into the fruit. Passionfruit vines typically lose their leaves in winter, but their trunks and stems remain intact. Practically, the blessing on Passiflora is Hadama[18], although Bedieved if one recited Haeitz he is Yotzei.
3. Eggplant:[19] Eggplants grow on bushy, upright plants. These are relatively small compared to trees or vines and produce fruits hanging from the stems. Eggplants are annual plants which means they complete their life cycle in one growing season, and the plant (trunks and all) dies off in winter. However, in frost-free, warm climates, eggplants can sometimes act as perennials and survive for multiple years. Practically, the blessing on eggplant is Hadama, although Bedieved if one recited Haeitz he is Yotzei.

1. Fruits that grow directly from a trunk:[20]

If a tree or bush has a trunk and its fruits grow directly from it, the appropriate blessing is Borei Pri Ha’adama according to all opinions. This ruling applies even if the trunk remains intact and does not deteriorate over time in the winter. [Thus, even Bedieved, if one recited the blessing of Haeitz, he does not fulfill his obligation, and must recite the blessing of Ha’adama.]

Besamim and Kileiy Hakerem:[21] For Besamim and Kilei Hakerem, the classification as Besamim remains unchanged even if they grow on a soft trunk, and they retain the blessing of Atzei Besamim.

• Examples of Ha’adama fruits according to all:

1. Strawberries:[22] Strawberries grow on low, herbaceous plants, not on trees or vines. They grow close to the ground. They spread out using runners (horizontal stems) that produce new plants. Tiny white flowers bloom on the plant, which are pollinated to form the fruit. The fruit begins as small, green berries and gradually ripens to a juicy red. Strawberry plants are perennial, meaning they can produce fruit for multiple years if cared for properly, though their productivity declines after a few seasons. Strawberries are Hadama according to all being that their stem is soft and it grows from the trunk, and if one says Haeitz he is not Yotzei.
2. Pineapple: The pineapple plant has a rosette of long, spiky, sword-like leaves that grow out from a central stem. At the center of the plant, a flower stalk emerges, producing many small purple flowers. These flowers fuse together to form a single fruit—what we recognize as the pineapple. It takes about 18–24 months for a pineapple to fully mature, making it a relatively slow-growing fruit. A single pineapple plant typically produces only one fruit at a time from its central stem. Seemingly, its blessing is Ha’adama according to all, and if one says Haeitz he is not Yotzei.
3. Tomatoes: Tomatoes grow on plants. The tomato plant is a vine-like herbaceous plant, which is a soft stem rather than a woody trunk like a tree. Depending on the variety, tomato plants can either grow as bush-like structures (determinate varieties) or as sprawling vines that often need support from stakes or cages (indeterminate varieties). Whatever the case, its blessing is Ha’adama according to all, and if one says Haeitz he is not Yotzei.
4. Sesame: Sesame grows on plants, not trees. Sesame plants are upright and can reach heights of about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters). They have green, soft stems and elongated leaves. The plants produce tubular flowers that can be white, pink, or pale purple, depending on the variety. After pollination, the flowers form small seed pods. Each pod contains the sesame seeds, which are harvested when the plant matures. Its blessing is Ha’adama according to all, and if one says Haeitz he is not Yotzei.

1. Bush fruits and berries:

The status of fruits of a bush follow the same rules explained in the previous Halachas, and its blessing is hence dependent on whether they are perennials or if they wither away in winter [Halacha B], and if the fruits grow directly from the stalk or stem rather than from branches which grow on a trunk [Halacha C], and according to some opinions regarding the height of the bush. The following is a list of examples of Bush fruits and their blessing:

• Examples of berries:

1. Blueberries:[23] Blueberries grow on bushes that can vary in size from compact shrubs to taller, tree-like varieties. Blueberry bushes are perennials, meaning they produce berries year after year once established. Accordingly, their blessing is Haeitz according to all.
2. Mulberries [Tut Eitz, not to be confused with blackberries]:[24] Mulberries, known as “Yagdas Hashechorim” in Hebrew, grow on actual trees, and their fruits look very similar to blackberries in size, shape, and even color. Their blessing is Haeitz according to all.
3. Blackberries [not to be confused with mulberries or black colored raspberries[25]]: Blackberries, grow on thorny (or sometimes thornless) bramble canes which is a type of bush. These canes are biennial—one year, they grow vegetatively, and the next year, they produce flowers and berries. The main canes are hard, and remain from year to year. Their blessing is debated if Ha’adama[26] or Haeitz[27] and hence one is to recite Ha’adama.
4. Raspberries: Raspberries grow on canes, much like blackberries. These canes are biennial. During the first year, they grow as primocanes (non-fruiting canes). In the second year, these same canes become floricanes (fruit-bearing canes). After they bear fruit, the floricanes die and need to be pruned away before winter. The primocanes, however, become next year’s fruiting floricanes. Their blessing is debated if Ha’adama[28] or Haeitz[29] and hence one is to recite Ha’adama.
5. Cranberries:[30] Commercially it grows on a low bush which reaches up until 2 to 8 inches in height [between 5 to 20 cm tall]. The bush is a perennial which means that they can continuously grow crop year after year, and no part of the bush dies throughout the year, other than of course the leaves. Its blessing is debated amongst today’s Poskim, Rabbanim, Hashgacha agencies and Bracha lists, with some ruling that is blessing is Haeitz[31], and others ruling that its blessing is Hadama.[32] Practically, according to Admur one should recite Haeitz.

Summary:

For a fruit to be Haeitz by all opinions, the branches of its tree must remain permanently on the trunk. If the branches or trunks fall off but roots remain, its blessings is Ha’adama are recited, though saying Haeitz fulfills the obligation bedieved (after the fact).

Fruits with annually regrowing trunks: Fruits like bananas lose their trunks and branches yearly, leading to debate on their blessing. Bananas are generally considered Ha’adama, but saying Haeitz is acceptable bedieved.

Fruits with annually regrowing branches: Papaya, passionfruit (Passiflora), and eggplant have branches or leaves that fall off yearly. Their blessings are Ha’adama, but saying Haeitz fulfills the obligation bedieved.   

Fruits growing directly from trunks: Fruits that grow directly from a trunk or stalk require the blessing Ha’adama according to all opinions, even if the trunk remains intact. Saying Haeitz does not fulfill the obligation.

Examples of Ha’adama fruits: Strawberries, pineapples, tomatoes, and sesame grow on soft-stemmed plants or directly from trunks and are classified as Ha’adama for blessings.   

Bush fruits and berries: The blessing depends on whether the bush is perennial and if branches remain year-round. Blueberries and mulberries are Haeitz. Blackberries and raspberries have debated status but are treated as Ha’adama. Cranberries have disputed rulings, with some authorities favoring Haeitz.   

Height considerations: Some opinions require a tree or bush to reach a certain height (three Tefachim) to qualify as Haeitz, though this is not universally accepted and is omitted by the Alter Rebbe.

[1] Seder 6:6-8; Admur 203:1; Rama 203:2; Tur 203; Beis Yosef 203; Brachos 40a; Rashi ibid; Rosh Brachos 6:23; Mordechai Brachos Remez 131; Ritva Brachos 1:9; Or Zarua Brachos 172; Levush 203:1-2; Chidushei Tzemach Tzedek 10:3-4; Chayeh Adam 51:9; M”B 203:3; Ketzos Hashulchan 49:6 Piskeiy Teshuvos 203:3

[2] 1^st opinion in Seder 6:6; Rosh 6:23 based on Brachos 40a; Tur 203 based on Riy; Levush 203:1-2; Maharam Merothenberg, brought in Mordechai Brachos Remez 131; See Tzemach Tzedek Chidushim 10:3

[3] 2^nd opinion in Seder 6:6; Only opinion in Admur 203:1; Rama 203:2; Geonim based on Brachos 40a, brought in Mordechai Brachos Remez 131 and Tur 203

[4] 3^rd opinion in Seder 6:6; Rashi based on Brachos 40a; Ritva Brachos 1:9; Or Zarua Brachos 172; See Tzemach Tzedek Chidushim 10:4; Ketzos Hashulchan 62 footnote 3

[5] M”B 203:3 [M”A rules is Haeitz, but custom is Hadama]

[6] M”A 203:1; Igros Moshe O.C. 1:85 [disputes claim of M”B ibid  and says that in his vicinity they were accustomed like the opinion of the M”A to say Haeitz even on the fruits of low bushes]

[7] Admur Seder 6:6; Chayeh Adam 51:9; M”B 203:8

[8] Admur ibid; Tzelach Brachos; See Ketzos Hashulchan 49 footnote 6; Piskeiy Teshuvos 203:3 footnote 10

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that in such a case one does not fulfill his obligation even Bedieved. [Chayeh Adam 51:9; M”B 203:8]

[9] Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid 3

[10] Michaber 203:3; Ketzos Hashulchan 49:18

[11] The “trunk” of a banana plant is known as a pseudostem, which is made up of tightly packed leaf bases rather than wood. When a banana plant finishes producing fruit, that pseudostem dies off, but the underground part, called the rhizome or corm, remains alive. From the rhizome, new shoots (or suckers) emerge, and these grow into new pseudostems, which eventually produce fruit themselves. So, while the pseudostem is lost after fruiting, the plant continues its lifecycle through its rhizome.

[12] Ketzos Hashulchan 49:18 footnote 30; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid 3

[13] Rav Alyashvili in Seder Birchas Hanehnin footnote 40

[14] Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid 3

[15] Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid 4

[16] Rav Poalim 2:30; Kaf Hachaim 203:13

[17] Luach of Rav Elyashvili

[18] Luach of Rav Elyashvili

[19] Birkeiy Yosef 203:1

[20] Seder 6:7; Luach 9:7; Admur 203:2; M”A 203:1; Toesfta Kilayim 3:13; Yerushalmi Kilayim 5; Ketzos Hashulchan 49:6

[21] Seder 6:7; Michaber Y.D. 296:15; Yerushalmi Kilayim 5:7

[22] M”B 203:3; Igros Moshe 1:86; See Seder ibid “Minei Tutin which are called Mellons in our countries”

[23] Piskeiy Teshuvos 203:3; Luach Rav Alyashvili

Difference between blueberry bushes and blackberry bushes: Blueberry bushes and blackberry bushes differ in several ways, from their physical characteristics to their growth habits:

1. Plant Structure: Blueberries grow on compact, upright shrubs. These bushes are woody, perennial plants that range from small (1–2 feet tall) to taller varieties (up to 12 feet). The structure is dense and bush-like. Blackberries grow on sprawling brambles with long, thorny (or thornless) canes. These canes may grow upright, arching, or trailing along the ground, and they often require support, like a trellis.
2. Lifecycle: Blueberry Bushes are perennial and their woody branches persist year after year, growing stronger and producing fruit annually. Blackberry Bushe, while the plant itself is perennial, the canes are biennial. The canes live for two years: in the first year, they grow vegetatively, and in the second year, they produce fruit before dying off.

[24] Seder 6:7; M”B 203:3; Pischeiy Halacha 9:4

[25] Difference between blackberries and raspberries: Blackberries and raspberries may look similar, but there are key differences between the two:

1. Shape of the Fruit: When you pick a blackberry, the core (also called the receptacle) stays inside the fruit, giving it a solid shape. With raspberries, the core detaches from the fruit, leaving the berry hollow in the center.
2. Color Variety: Blackberries are always dark purple or black when fully ripe. Raspberries come in multiple colors, including red, black, yellow (golden), and purple.
3. Taste: Blackberries are slightly tarter, especially when not fully ripe, though ripe ones are sweet and juicy. Raspberries tend to be sweeter, with a more delicate, tangy flavor.
4. Growth Habit: Blackberry canes (branches) are usually sturdier and can be thorny or thornless. They may have a trailing or upright growth habit. Raspberry canes are typically thinner and also can be thorny or thornless, but they are less woody compared to blackberries.
5. Seeds: Blackberries have larger seeds that are more noticeable when eating, while raspberries have smaller seeds.

[26] All Poskim who rule this way regarding rasberries

[27] Igros Moshe 1:85; Piskeiy Teshuvos 203:3; See M”B 203:1; Nishmas Adam 58

[28] Seder 6:7 says Malena is Hadama and Malena is raspberries in Yiddish and Czech; Seder Birchas Hanehnin in English based on 6:7; Luach Prus p.44; Luach of Rav Elyashvili

[29] Igros Moshe 1:85; Piskeiy Teshuvos 203:3; See M”B 203:1; Nishmas Adam 58

[30] See Shaareiy Habracha 23; See regarding the definition of a tree regarding the blessing of Haeitz versus Hadama: Seder Birchas Hanehnin 6:6-7; Admur 203:1; Rama 203:2; Tur 203; Beis Yosef 203; Brachos 40a; Rashi ibid; Rosh Brachos 6:23; Mordechai Brachos Remez 131; Ritva Brachos 1:9; Or Zarua Brachos 172; Levush 203:1-2; Chidushei Tzemach Tzedek 10:3-4; Chayeh Adam 51:9; M”B 203:3; Ketzos Hashulchan 49:6 Piskeiy Teshuvos 203:3; See regarding a bush which is less than three Tefachim: M”A 203:1; M”B 203:3 [M”A rules is Haeitz, but custom is Hadama]; Igros Moshe O.C. 1:85 [disputes claim of M”B ibid  and says that in his vicinity they were accustomed like the opinion of the M”A to say Haeitz even on the fruits of low bushes]

Explanation: There exists a major debate in the Rishonim and Poskim regarding the definition of a tree, for which one is to recite the blessing of Haeitz over its fruit. The core of the debate is regarding those trees that are not complete perennials and have some part of the tree die after its season of fruit, such as the branches, or trunk, or even roots. In general, due to the lack of arbitration on the matter, whenever a tree is not a complete perennial, we recite the blessing of Hadama due to the doubt. This explains the reason for why the blessing of Hadama is recited over certain fruits of a tree, such as bananas. Now, regarding the cranberry, commercially it grows on a low bush which reaches up until 2 to 8 inches in height [between 5 to 20 cm tall]. The bush is a perennial which means that they can continuously grow crop year after year, and no part of the bush dies throughout the year, other than of course the leaves. According to the above, it would seem that the blessing of the fruit should be Haeitz according to all opinions. However, some Poskim suggest that there is an additional condition for a tree to have the definition of a tree which has its fruit be defined as Haeitz, and that is the height of the tree. They claim that if the tree is less than three Tefachim tall then it is considered a fruit of the ground and its blessing is Hadama. The Mishneh Berurah concludes that while the main opinion is that even such fruits are defined as Haeitz, nonetheless, the custom is to recite Hadama on such fruits being that they are not viewed so much as a fruit. However, the Igros Moshe disavows this claim, saying that indeed the custom is to say Haeitz. This then is the core of the debate amongst today’s Poskim and Rabbanim regarding cranberries. Do we view cranberries as an important fruit and therefore even according to the above custom it should be Haeitz, or is the mere fact that it grows on a bush that is less than three Tefachim tall and that it is not eaten plain and raw make it nonimportant, and is therefore still subject to the above discrepancy between the main opinion and testified custom and the testimony of the Mishneh Berura versus that of the Igros Moshe. Practically, according to the rulings of the Alter Rebbe in his Seder Birchas Hanehnin I would concord that the blessing is Haeitz, and so is the conclusion of some of the compilations of list of blessings of Chabad publications. The reason for this is because the Alter Rebbe completely ignores and omits any further condition regarding the height of the bush for it to be considered Haeitz and he makes no mention of the height of the bush as being a criteria for the blessing. Regarding those of other sects, they should ask their Rav for a Pesak on the matter.

[31] Yisa Yosef 2:3 [of Rav Efrati] in name of Rav Elyashiv; Madrich of Eida Hachareidis and Rabbanei Badatz of Eida Hachareidis; Hilchos Yom Beyom Brachos [Karp] 3:9; Rav Y.S. Ginzberg that Admur rules like M”A ibid and so its HaeitzLuach of Rav Marlow; Dirshu; 

[32] Vezos Habracha p. 379 and Visein Bracha 2:249 in name of Rav SZ”A; Heichal Horah of Rav Bransdofer 2:23; of Piskeiy Teshuvos 203:3; Luach of Peruss; Luach of Gadasi; OU bracha list based on Rav Belsky