Bracha on Coffee – Beverage, plain, beans, grinds, treats

  1. Coffee:[1]

Coffee beverage:[2] The blessing over the coffee beverage is Shehakol.

Plain coffee been, grinds, instant coffee:[3] In previous times, a blessing was recited upon eating plain roasted coffee, whether beans or grinds.[4] However, in todays times a blessing is not recited when tasting plain coffee, whether a bean, grind, or instant coffee, being that most people do not eat plain coffee due to its bitterness.[5]

Plain Coffee with sugar:[6] Plain coffee, whether a been or grind, which is mixed with sugar is debated as to whether its blessing is Ha’adama[7] or Haeitz.[8] Practically, one is to say haeitz, although those who say Ha’adama have upon whom to rely.  

Chocolate covered coffee:[9] When eating chocolate covered coffee beans, then if one’s main intent is on the chocolate, its blessing is Shehakol. If one’s main intent of eating is on the coffee then he states Haeitz and exempts with it the blessing of the chocolate. If one’s main intent is on both the chocolate and the coffee, then one recites two blessings; Shehakol on the chocolate and after eating some of the chocolate, he recites a Haeitz on the bean. When reciting a Shehakol on the chocolate he is to explicitly have in mind to not exempt the been that is inside.

________________________________________________________

[1] How does coffee grow? Coffee grows on trees or shrubs, specifically from the coffee plant (Coffea genus). The process starts with flowers on the plant, which eventually produce coffee cherries. Inside these cherries are coffee beans—actually seeds. Coffee plants thrive in tropical climates, typically at high altitudes with rich soil. Regions like Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia are famous for their coffee production.

When was it first discovered: Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia, with legends dating back to around 850 CE. The story goes that a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats becoming unusually energetic after eating red berries from a certain plant. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself and experienced a similar boost in energy. The knowledge of coffee spread to Yemen, where Sufi monks brewed it to stay awake during prayers. By the 15th century, coffee was widely cultivated and traded in the Arabian Peninsula. Coffee reached Europe in the 16th century, introduced through trade routes from the Ottoman Empire. Initially, it was considered an exotic luxury and faced some resistance due to cultural and religious concerns. By the late 17th century, coffeehouses became popular in cities like London, Paris, and Vienna, serving as hubs for social and intellectual gatherings

[2] Perach Mateh Aaron 1:40; Shvus Yaakov 2:5; Mur Uketzia 204; Beir Heiytiv 202:19; Pachad Yitzchak Os Kuf; Zera Emes 30; Ikarei Hadat 10:57; P”M 205 M”Z 13; Birkeiy Yosef 204:9; Shaareiy Teshuvah 204:19; Kaf Hachaim 202:70; Maharitz Dushinsky 21; Yabia Omer 5:18; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:28

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that coffee is Ha’adama. [Halachos Ketanos 1:9; Panim Meiros 95; Poskim in Kaf Hachaim 202:71] Others argue that it should be Haeitz. [Mur Uketzia 204]

[3] See Kaf Hachaim 202:71; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:35-1

[4] Poskim who would say Haeitz if with sugar: Admas Kodesh O.C. 2; Yad Aaron Basra 204:1; Zechor Leavraham 3:19; Poskim who would say Ha’adama on plain bean: Sheilas Yaavetz 2:142; Machazik Bracha 204:3; Zechor Leavraham 1:2 Mareches Kuf; Shaareiy Teshuvah 204:7; Nivei Shalom 269:5; Poskim who would say Shehakol on plain bean: Ben Ish Chaiy Pinchas 1:10

 Poskim who would say Shehakol on ground coffee: Kaf Hachaim ibid

[5] See Seder 6:19; Luach 9:8; Admur 202:22; Michaber 202:16; Rava Brachos 36b; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:35-1

[6] Kaf Hachaim 202:71

[7] Sheilas Yaavetz 2:142; Machazik Bracha 204:3; Zechor Leavraham 1:2 Mareches Kuf; Shaareiy Teshuvah 204:7; Nivei Shalom 269:5

[8] Admas Kodesh O.C. 2; Yad Aaron Basra 204:1; Zechor Leavraham 3:19

[9] See Devar Yehoshua 2:115; Vezos Habracha 11:1 p. 96; Piskeiy Teshuvos 204:21

Was this article helpful?

Related Articles

Leave A Comment?

You must be logged in to post a comment.