15. Hydroponic fruits and vegetables[1] – Blessing on fruits and vegetables grown with hydroponics:

Some Poskim[2] rule that vegetables which grow hydroponically are the blessing of Shehakol. Majority of Poskim[3], however, rule that the blessing remains Hadamah, and so is the main ruling.[4]

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[1] What is it? Hydroponic growth is a method of cultivating fruits and vegetables without the use of soil. Instead, plants are grown in a nutrient-rich water solution or inert growing mediums like coconut coir, perlite, or rock wool. This technique allows the plants to absorb essential nutrients directly from the water, often resulting in faster growth and higher yields compared to traditional soil-based farming. It often takes place in greenhouses or controlled indoor setups, allowing for year-round cultivation. Hydroponics uses less water than soil farming because the nutrient solution can be recirculated. This method is commonly used to grow leafy greens (like lettuce and spinach), herbs, strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It’s gaining popularity as a sustainable way to produce fresh food, even in areas with poor soil quality or water scarcity.

[2] Yechaveh Daas 6:12; Michzeh Eliyahu 25-30; Minchas Yerushalayim p. 334; Piskeiy Teshuvos 204:2 [shehakol due to doubt]; All Poskim who rule this way regarding Atzitz Sheiyno Nakuv: Chayeh Adam 51:17

[3] Shevet Halevi 1:205; Teshuvos Vehanhagos 2:149; All Poskim who rule this way regarding Atzitz Sheiyno Nakuv: Iglei Tal Meleches Dash 8; Rashash Pesachim 36b [that one is Yotzei Matzah with grains grew in this manner]; Shevet Halevi 1:205; Teshuvos Vehanhagos 2:149; Kinyan Torah 4:54; Shraga Hameir 5:2; Chesehv Haeifod 3:9

[4] The reason: As the seeds come from the earth and hence irrelevant of how they grow, the produce deserves the blessing of Hadamah. This is in addition to the fact that some Poskim rule that Bedieved if one said the blessing of Hadamah even on mushrooms, he fulfills his obligation. [See Aruch Hashulchan 204:5; Kaf Hachaim 204:2]