Chapter 12: Haeitz and Ha’adama – Fruits and Vegetables

*This chapter focuses on the blessing of ground products in their raw state. It does not include the laws relating to cooked and ground fruits and vegetables, which will be discussed in in their own chapter.

1. The products that receive the blessing of Haeitz versus Ha’adama:

All products that grow on the ground receive the blessing of Ha’adama, with exception to products that grow on a tree which potentially receive the upgraded blessing of Haeitz, depending on the following factors:

• If its tree maintenance the Halachic definition of a tree. [See Halacha 7-9]
• The edibility status of the product. [See Halacha 10]
• Whether it is the primary versus the secondary part of the fruit. [See Halacha 11-12]
• Whether the product has undergone any changes. [See Chapter 14]

2. One who is unsure as to the correct blessing – Doubt if is Haeitz or Ha’adama:

If there is uncertainty about whether to recite the blessing of Haeitz or Ha’adama on a food, one should say Ha’adama, as it covers both cases. Alternatively, eating the food with bread avoids any doubt about which blessing is appropriate.

3. Said wrong Bracha Rishona on Haeitz fruit – Law of Bedieved:

If one mistakenly says Hamotzi or Mezonos on a Haeitz fruit, the correct blessing must be repeated (unless corrected immediately). If Hagafen is recited on fruits other than grapes or raisins, one does not fulfill their obligation, but does fulfill it if the fruit is grapes or raisins. If Ha’adama is said on a Haeitz fruit, one fulfills their obligation after the fact, but should correct themselves if possible. If Shehakol is recited on a Haeitz fruit, one fulfills their obligation and need not repeat the blessing.

Incorrect Blessing	Fruit Type	Obligation Fulfilled?	Correction Required?
Hamotzi or Mezonos	Haeitz fruit	No	Yes, unless corrected immediately
Hagafen	Fruits other than grapes or raisins	No	Yes
Hagafen	Grapes or raisins	Yes	No
Ha’adama	Haeitz fruit	Yes	If possible
Shehakol	Haeitz fruit	Yes	No

4. Said wrong Bracha Rishona on a Ha’adma product – Law of Bedieved:

If Hamotzi, Mezonos, Hagafen, or Haeitz is mistakenly recited on a Ha’adama product, the correct blessing of Ha’adama must generally be repeated. There are some leniencies regarding Mezonos, but the main practice is to repeat the blessing. If Shehakol is recited on a Ha’adama product, one fulfills their obligation and does not need to repeat the blessing. If a correction is made immediately (within a brief interval), one fulfills their obligation without repeating.

Scenario	Law/Outcome
Hamotzi, Mezonos, Hagafen, or Haeitz recited on Ha’adama product	Ha’adama must generally be repeated; some leniencies for Mezonos, but main practice is to repeat
Shehakol recited on Ha’adama product	Obligation fulfilled, no need to repeat blessing
Correction made immediately (within a brief interval)	Obligation fulfilled without repeating

5. If one recited a Ha’adama on a vegetable does it exempt a Haeitz fruit that he planned on eating or that was on the table:

A Ha’adama blessing does not exempt a Haeitz fruit unless one specifically intended it to do so, which is generally not recommended.

6. If one has a Haeitz fruit and a Safek/dispute Haeitz/Ha’adama/Shehakol fruit in front of him what blessing should he say first?

• Example: 1) One has an apple and a banana in front of him and desires to eat both, which fruit is he to eat first? 2) One has an apple and sugar in front of him, what blessing is he to say first?

The worldly custom is to first recite a blessing over the Haeitz and then over the Ha’adama. Nonetheless, it is proper to explicitly have in mind not to exempt the Safek food with the blessing over the fruit.

7. When does a fruit become Haeitz – The trees which define a fruit as Haeitz versus Ha’adama:

The blessing for a fruit depends on how its plant grows. According to some authorities, a fruit is considered Haeitz if the tree’s roots survive year to year—even if the trunk and branches don’t. Others require both trunk and roots to remain, and a stricter view requires even the branches to persist. Practically, if a tree loses all above-ground parts annually, one should recite Ha’adama on its fruit (to avoid doubt), but if Haeitz is recited, the obligation is fulfilled after the fact.

Examples:

• Banana: Since the trunk and branches regrow annually, the blessing is Ha’adama. If Haeitz was recited, it still counts after the fact.
• Papaya & Passionfruit: Grown on plants that don’t have traditional branches or on vines, their blessing is Ha’adama, but one fulfills their obligation if Haeitz is said.
• Eggplant: Typically annual, the blessing is Ha’adama, with Haeitz sufficient after the fact.

8. Fruits that grow directly from a trunk:

Fruits that grow fruits growing directly from trunks or soft-stemmed plants (like strawberries, pineapples, tomatoes, and sesame) receive the Ha’adama blessing according to all opinions. If the Haeitz blessing is mistakenly recited on these, it does not fulfill the obligation. Plants such as Besamim and Kilei Hakerem retain their unique blessings regardless of trunk type.

9. Bush fruits and berries [Blueberries, Mulberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Cranberries]:

The blessing for bush fruits depends on whether the plant is perennial and how the fruit grows. Blueberries and mulberries grow on perennial bushes or trees, so their blessing is Haeitz. Blackberries and raspberries, which grow on biennial canes, have a debated status but receive the Ha’adama blessing due to the doubt. Cranberries grow on low perennial bushes; the blessing is debated between Ha’adama and Haeitz, but Admur rules Haeitz should be recited.

10. Fruit that is not fully ripe or edible – Which Bracha is recited; Haeitz, Ha’adama, Shehakol, or no blessing:

If a fruit is edible, even when unripe, the standard blessing (Haeitz or Ha’adama) applies; if not edible, no blessing is recited. If a fruit cannot ripen due to defect or season, or becomes edible only when cooked, the blessing is Shehakol.

• Examples: Edible unripe grapes receive Ha’adama (Haeitz if fully ripe), while bitter, inedible raw almonds receive no blessing, but roasted almonds are Haeitz.

11. Fruit and vegetable seeds – Which Bracha is recited; Haeitz, Ha’adama, Shehakol, or no blessing:

Seeds that are secondary to fruit or vegetable cultivation generally receive the Shehakol blessing, unless they are naturally sweet and eaten like the fruit, in which case they share the fruit’s blessing (Haeitz or Ha’adama). Inedible seeds require no blessing, but if they become edible through roasting or cooking, Shehakol is said. If seeds are the primary product of the plant, their proper blessing applies. Watermelon and pumpkin seeds usually get Shehakol unless they are grown specifically for their seeds, in which case the blessing is Ha’adama.

12. Peels – Blessing of fruit and vegetable peels:

If a peel is fully edible and commonly eaten with the fruit (like apple peel), it gets the same blessing as the fruit (Haeitz). If a peel isn’t typically eaten on its own (like the white orange rind), the blessing is Shehakol. For peels only edible after cooking, there is debate and hence Ha’adama is recited although Haeitz is valid after the fact. Completely inedible peels (like avocado skin) receive no blessing. If peels are used for jam or chocolate, the blessing is typically Ha’adama, but some recite Shehakol. Peels grown specifically for use, such as Esrog peels, are Haeitz. Lemon fruit and peel are Shehakol; if eating only the white part of an orange, the blessing is Shehakol. Peels of apples, pears, plums, and apricots, which are eaten raw, are Haeitz.

Peel Type	Edibility	Common Usage	Blessing
Apple peel	Fully edible	Eaten raw	Haeitz
Pear peel	Fully edible	Eaten raw	Haeitz
Plum peel	Fully edible	Eaten raw	Haeitz
Apricot peel	Fully edible	Eaten raw	Haeitz
White orange rind	Not typically eaten	Not eaten on its own	Shehakol
Lemon peel	Not typically eaten	Fruit and peel	Shehakol
Peels edible after cooking	Edible after cooking	Cooked	Ha’adama
Completely inedible peels (e.g., avocado skin)	Inedible	Not eaten	No blessing
Peels used for jam or chocolate	Edible after preparation	Jam or chocolate	Ha’adama
Esrog peels grown specifically for use	Edible	Specifically grown	Haeitz

13. Wild fruits – The blessing on wild fruits and herbs:

Wild fruits that are not tasty usually get the blessing Shehakol, but wild almonds, which are palatable, receive Haeitz. Wild herbs are blessed with Shehakol as they are considered less significant than other produce. The Arizal holds that all fruits, even sour or inferior wild ones, get Haeitz, and all vegetables get Ha’adama, regardless of quality. Sabras (prickly pear fruit) are Haeitz, since despite growing wild, they are good tasting.

Item	Blessing (Common Practice)	Blessing (Arizal)
Wild fruits (not tasty)	Shehakol	Haeitz
Wild almonds (palatable)	Haeitz	Haeitz
Wild herbs	Shehakol	Ha’adama
Sour/inferior wild fruits	Shehakol	Haeitz
Vegetables		Ha’adama
Sabras (prickly pear fruit)	Haeitz	Haeitz

14. Cooked versus Raw – The blessing on cooked fruits and vegetables:

Fruits normally eaten raw keep their “Haeitz” blessing when cooked, unless cooking reduces their quality, in which case the blessing becomes “Shehakol.” Vegetables and fruits usually eaten cooked receive “Ha’adama” or “Haeitz” when cooked, but “Shehakol” when eaten raw. If a vegetable is now commonly eaten raw (like carrots or lettuce), its blessing is “Ha’adama.” Onions are “Ha’adama” when raw, but “Shehakol” when cooked, as cooking diminishes their taste.

Food	Raw Blessing	Cooked Blessing
Fruits normally eaten raw	Haeitz	Haeitz (unless cooking reduces quality, then Shehakol)
Vegetables/fruits usually eaten cooked	Shehakol	Ha’adama or Haeitz
Vegetable now commonly eaten raw (carrots, lettuce)	Ha’adama
Onions	Ha’adama	Shehakol

15. Jam – Bracha on fruit or vegetable Jam:

The blessing for jam depends on the type and state of the fruit or vegetable. Fruit peels in jam are usually Ha’adama, but today may be Shehakol since peels are not commonly consumed. Esrog peel jam is Haeitz, as the peel is the main part used. Spiced jams are Shehakol unless pieces of spice are visible, in which case the spice’s blessing is said. Jam with visible fruit pieces takes the fruit’s blessing; fully disintegrated fruit jams are Shehakol. Jalapeno or ginger jam is Ha’adama if the vegetable pieces are visible.

Jam Type	Fruit/Vegetable State	Blessing
Fruit peels in jam		Shehakol
Esrog peel jam	Peel is main part used	Haeitz
Spiced jams	No visible spice pieces	Shehakol
Spiced jams	Visible spice pieces	Spice’s blessing
Jam with visible fruit pieces	Visible fruit pieces	Fruit’s blessing
Fully disintegrated fruit jams	Fully disintegrated	Shehakol
Jalapeno or ginger jam	Vegetable pieces visible	Ha’adama

16. Spices – Bracha when eating plain spices:

Spices are generally not eaten alone and hence don’t require a blessing, unless made edible, in which case Shehakol is recited.

Salt: A small amount requires the blessing Shehakol; larger amounts or salted water do not require a blessing.

17. Spices, roots, and nuts – List of select products and their corresponding blessings:

A. Chili [i.e. Chile] peppers – Jalapeno, Habanero, Serrano, Fresno, Anaheim, Poblano:

Fresh chili peppers: The blessing recited is Ha’adama, though some authorities debate Haeitz or Shehakol. Ha’adama is preferred.

Dried chili peppers (used as spice): No blessing is recited when eaten plain, as it does not give pleasure.

Chili pepper jam: The blessing is Ha’adama.

B. Ginger:

Fresh ginger: Ha’adama (as it is an underground root, not a tree fruit).

Dried ginger (as a spice): No blessing when eaten plain due to lack of enjoyment.

Roasted ginger (for medicine): Ha’adama.

Ginger jam: Ha’adama.

C. Cinnamon:

Cinnamon receives the blessing Ha’adama, as it grows from the ground and is commonly eaten dry.

D. Pistachio:

Raw and roasted pistachios both receive the Haeitz blessing, as they are edible in either form.

E. Nutmeg:

Nutmeg generally receives the blessing Haeitz when eaten dry, though today it is rarely eaten this way and is mostly used as a spice, so no blessing is recited in such cases. If consumed as medicine and is the main ingredient, it is Haeitz; otherwise, the blessing is Shehakol.

F. Licorice [plant]:

Licorice root, when eaten and swallowed, receives the blessing Ha’adama. If it is merely sucked for its juice and then spat out, the blessing is Shehakol.

G. Sugar and sugarcane:

Sugar derived from sugarcane and beet both receive the Shehakol blessing. However, if one mistakenly says Haeitz on sugarcane sugar, or Ha’adama on beet sugar, the blessing is still valid according to some opinions.

H. Onions:

Per the rulings of Admur, raw [and fried] onions are Ha’adama. Cooked onions are Shehakol. Other Poskim, however, rule that even raw onions are Shehakol, although Bedieved one fulfills his obligation if Ha’adama was said.

 

What blessing is one to say over onion soup?

If the onions in onion soup are the main ingredient and are eaten, some rule the blessing is Ha’adama; however, the common practice is to recite Shehakol. If the onions are sautéed before cooking, Ha’adama may be appropriate.

I. Garlic:

Per the rulings of Admur, raw [and fried] garlic is Ha’adama. Cooked garlic is Shehakol. Other Poskim, however, rule that even raw garlic is Shehakol, although Bedieved one fulfills his obligation if Ha’adama was said.

J. Horseradish:

Horseradish is inedible when raw and hence one does not say a blessing upon eating it.

Item	Form/Preparation	Blessing
Chili peppers (Jalapeno, Habanero, Serrano, Fresno, Anaheim, Poblano)	Fresh	Ha’adama
Chili peppers	Dried (spice)	No blessing
Chili pepper jam	Jam	Ha’adama
Ginger	Fresh	Ha’adama
Ginger	Dried (spice)	No blessing
Ginger	Roasted (medicine)	Ha’adama
Ginger jam	Jam	Ha’adama
Cinnamon	Dry	Ha’adama
Pistachio	Raw/Roasted	Haeitz
Nutmeg	Dry	Haeitz
Nutmeg	Spice	No blessing
Nutmeg	Medicine (main ingredient)	Haeitz
Nutmeg	Other	Shehakol
Licorice root	Eaten and swallowed	Ha’adama
Licorice root	Sucked for juice, spat out	Shehakol
Sugar	From sugarcane or beet	Shehakol
Onion	Raw/Fried (Admur)	Ha’adama
Onion	Cooked (Admur)	Shehakol
Onion	Raw (Other Poskim)	Shehakol
Onion soup	Main ingredient eaten	Ha’adama or Shehakol
Garlic	Raw/Fried (Admur)	Ha’adama
Garlic	Cooked (Admur)	Shehakol
Garlic	Raw (Other Poskim)	Shehakol
Horseradish	Raw	No blessing

K. Coffee:

The blessing for drinking coffee is Shehakol. Plain roasted coffee beans or grinds typically do not require a blessing today, as they are rarely eaten alone. If plain coffee is mixed with sugar, the blessing is debated; Haeitz is preferred, but Ha’adama is also acceptable. For chocolate-covered coffee beans, if the main focus is the chocolate, recite Shehakol. If the main focus is the coffee, recite Haeitz, which also covers the chocolate. If both are the focus, recite both blessings—Shehakol for chocolate (first) and Haeitz for the coffee bean (after eating some chocolate).

Item	Blessing	Notes
Coffee (drinking)	Shehakol
Plain roasted coffee beans or grinds	No blessing typically required	Rarely eaten alone
Plain coffee mixed with sugar	Haeitz preferred, Ha’adama acceptable	Blessing is debated
Chocolate-covered coffee beans (main focus: chocolate)	Shehakol
Chocolate-covered coffee beans (main focus: coffee)	Haeitz	Covers chocolate as well
Chocolate-covered coffee beans (both are the focus)	Shehakol (chocolate, first), Haeitz (coffee bean, after eating some chocolate)	Recite both blessings

L. Chocolate:

Chocolate cubes: Technically, the blessing is Haeitz, but the common custom is Shehakol.

Chocolate beverage (Shoko): The blessing is Shehakol.

Plain cocoa bean, grinds, instant cocoa: No blessing is recited today due to their bitterness and uncommon consumption.

Plain cocoa with sugar: Debate exists between Haeitz and Ha’adama, but most people say Shehakol as for chocolate.

Chocolate covered treats: Shehakol is said if the focus is on the chocolate; otherwise, bless the filling (Haeitz or Ha’adama). If both are intended, recite two blessings—Shehakol for the chocolate and one for the filling.

Item	Blessing	Notes
Chocolate cubes	Haeitz (technically), Shehakol (common custom)
Chocolate beverage (Shoko)	Shehakol
Plain cocoa bean, grinds, instant cocoa	No blessing recited	Due to bitterness and uncommon consumption
Plain cocoa with sugar	Debate: Haeitz, Ha’adama, most say Shehakol	As for chocolate
Chocolate covered treats	Shehakol (if focus is chocolate); Bless filling (Haeitz or Ha’adama); Both: two blessings	Shehakol for chocolate, one for filling

18. List of select fruits and vegetables and their corresponding blessings:

A. Sabras [i.e. Prickly pear fruit or cactus fruit]:

Sabras, referred to in English as prickly pear fruit or cactus fruit, are classified as Haeitz.

B. Bananas:

Bananas require the blessing of Ha’adama; however, if one recites Haeitz, they have still fulfilled their obligation.

C. Lemons:

For lemons, if they and their peel are edible, the blessing to recite is Shehakol. Lemons that are very sour and inedible do not require a blessing at all.

D. Esrog:

When it comes to esrog (citron), edible varieties receive the blessing of Shehakol, while very sour and inedible ones do not require a blessing. The raw peel of an esrog is also Shehakol, but if it is processed, the blessing is Haeitz.

E. Carob:

Ripe carob warrants the blessing of Haeitz, whereas unripe carob is Ha’adama. According to custom, the Shehechiyanu blessing may be recited. It is important to check carob for insects before consuming it.

F. Heart of palm:

If the palm trees were planted for the purpose of harvesting hearts of palm, then its blessing is Ha’adama, while if it was planted for its dates, its blessing is Shehakol.  In today’s market, heart of palm is generally Ha’adama.

G. Coconut:

The blessing over coconut flesh is Haeitz, while ground or finely grated coconut products are generally Shehakol. Coconut water is usually Shehakol, but opinions vary. If consumed together with the flesh, the coconut water is considered secondary and does not require a separate blessing.

H. Sprouts:

Sprouts grown in water are, according to most authorities, Ha’adamah, though some say Shehakol. Sprouts grown in soil are universally Ha’adamah.

Fruit/Vegetable	Blessing(s)
Sabras (Prickly pear fruit, cactus fruit)	Haeitz
Bananas	Ha’adama; Haeitz (fulfills obligation)
Lemons	Shehakol
Esrog (citron)	Shehakol (edible varieties), none (very sour/inedible), Haeitz (processed peel)
Carob	Haeitz (ripe), Ha’adama (unripe), Shehechiyanu (custom)
Heart of palm	Ha’adama (generally), Shehakol (if planted for dates)
Coconut	Haeitz (flesh), Shehakol (ground/grated, water)
Sprouts	Ha’adamah (water/soil), Shehakol (some authorities, water-grown)

19. The blessing over grapes and raisins:

The blessing for ripe grapes and raisins is Haeitz, not Hagafen, but if one says Hagafen by mistake, it still counts. Unripe, edible grapes require the blessing of Ha’adama, but saying Haeitz also fulfills the obligation. If someone eats grapes or raisins while also drinking wine, they should say a separate Haeitz on the grapes or raisins and Hagafen on the wine. If one intends to include grapes or raisins in their Hagafen blessing, that blessing counts for them too. For the after-blessing: If both wine and grapes or raisins are consumed, one should ideally recite both Al Hagafen and Al Hapeiros. If only Al Hagafen is said with intent to include the grapes or raisins, it covers them as well. If not, a separate Al Haeitz is needed for the grapes or raisins.

20. Atzitz – Blessing on pot or container grown fruits and vegetables:

If fruits or vegetables are grown in unperforated pots, some authorities say the blessing is Shehakol, but most rule it remains Ha’adamah, which is the main practice. For perforated pots, the blessing is certainly Ha’adamah.

21. Hydroponic fruits and vegetables – Blessing on fruits and vegetables grown with hydroponics:

Most authorities state the blessing for hydroponically grown vegetables is Ha’adamah, though some rule it should be Shehakol.