Fully Edible on its own [i.e. apple peels]: Peels of fruits and vegetables which are fully edible just like the fruit itself and are commonly eaten together with the fruit or vegetable, retain the same blessing of the fruit or vegetable even when eaten separately. Accordingly, one who peels an apple and desires to eat the peel recites the blessing of Haeitz.

Not fully edible on its own:[2] Peels of fruits and vegetables which are not fully edible when not eaten together with the fruit or vegetable, such as the white rind of an orange and other citrus fruits, their blessing is Shehakol.

Edible through cooking:[3] There is a debate regarding the blessings to recite for peels of fruits and vegetables which are not fully edible raw, until they are cooked. This debate centers on whether the edible peel is considered an integral part of the fruit. Practically, it is recommended to recite the blessing of Ha’adama since it covers all opinions. However, if the blessing of Haeitz was recited, he is Yotzei Bedieved.

Inedible: Peels of fruits and vegetables that are completely inedible [i.e. avocado shell] do not receive a blessing if one chooses to eat them.

Cooked Peels in jam:[4] There is a debate amongst the Poskim whether fruit peels that have been cooked and turned into jam or marmalade are considered Haeitz or Ha’adama. The debate is based on whether the peel is seen as a main part of the fruit or not. Practically, one is to recite a blessing of Ha’adama, which fulfills ones obligation according to all opinions, nonetheless, Bedieved if one said Haeitz he is Yotzei. [This only applied in previous times. However, today since people no longer keep the peels of fruits and rather discard them, and hence fruits are not considered grown for their peels, therefore some Poskim[5] rule that their peels are Shehakol even when eaten as jam.]

Chocolate-coated peels:[6] Chocolate-covered citric peels would be considered Ha’adama according to the principle mentioned above regarding jam. However, in contemporary practice, since people typically discard the peels of fruits rather than retain them, fruits are not regarded as being grown for their peels. Consequently, their peels are classified as Shehakol, even if they are chocolate-covered.

• Examples-Esrog peel:[7] The Esrog peel in jam, candy, or chocolate is considered Haeitz because it is cultivated for its peel, and is the main part of the fruit.
• Lemon peel:[8] Lemons, both their fruit and peel, are Shehakol.
• White part of orange:[9] No blessing is recited on the white part of an orange upon eating the orange. If however one eats only the white part, the blessing of Shehakol is recited.
• Apple, Pear, Plum, Apricots: All the peels of these fruits are edible raw just like the fruit, and hence their peel is Haeitz.

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[1] Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:14

[2] See Ketzos Hashulchan 51 footnote 7; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:14

[3] Admur Seder 6:4; 202:9; Ketzos Hashulchan 51:7;

[4] Seder 6:4; 202:9; Ketzos Hashulchan 51:7

[5] Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:13

[6] Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:13

[7] Piskeiy Teshuvos 202 Footnote 67

[8] Lemon peel is edible and used in many culinary applications. The outer layer of the peel (the yellow part) can be grated and used to add a bright, citrusy flavor to dishes like baked goods, salads, sauces, and drinks. The peel can also be boiled, sweetened, and dried to make a delicious treat that can be eaten on its own or used as a garnish. Lemon peel is also often used in teas, cocktails, or water for added aroma and flavor. The peel can be finely chopped or minced and added to marinades, stir-fries, or desserts. The white part of the peel is less commonly eaten because it’s bitter, but some people use the whole peel when blending smoothies or making marmalade for its fiber and nutrients.

[9] See Ketzos Hashulchan 51 footnote 7; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:14