Chapter 14: The Blessing on Ground foods[1]

1. The general rule:
2. Losing appearance:

The general rule follows that a Ha’adama or Haeitz fruit or vegetable only retains its blessing if it is eaten in its normal way. Now, being that fruits and vegetables are usually eaten in their whole and intact form therefore, if they are grounded in a way that they lose their appearance, then they are demoted from their blessing and become Shehakol. This is with exception to a case in which the disintegrated state of eating is the normal way of eating the fruit require.

1. Derech Achilasam:[2]

If it is the normal and common way of eating a certain fruit or vegetable to grind them or to cook them and have it disintegrate, then it retains its original blessing even if the fruits are no longer recognizable. [This, however, only applies if it is common to eat the food plain, without other foods. If, however, one only eats it together with other foods then its blessing is Shehakol.[3]]

2. The law by blended, mashed, ground and disintegrated foods:
3. Ground foods:

Fruits [i.e. apple sauce, almond flour] and vegetables [tomato sauce]: Some Poskim[4] rule that all fruits or vegetables that have been ground to the point that they have lost their original appearance lose their original blessing and receive the blessing of Shehakol, if this is not the common way of eating them. If, however, the fruits are still partially recognizable then they retain their blessing of Haeitz or Ha’adama. Other Poskim[5], however, rule that ground fruits and vegetables never lose their blessing even if not recognizable, as this law was only said by foods that are turned into bread, such as legumes and grains. Practically, one is to recite Shehakol on all ground foods, as Bedieved Shehakol includes all products. If, however, one said the original blessing he is Yotzei. Nevertheless, this only applies if this is not the normal method of eating the food. If, however, this is the normal method of eating the fruit, then it retains its original blessing.[6]

Fruits of 7 Minim:[7] If fruits of the seven species of Israel [i.e. dates, figs, pomegranate, olives, grapes] were ground [i.e. ground olives], then although their before blessing is Shehakol, as we conclude above, nevertheless, since there is doubt as to their after blessing, and as to whether it is Al Hapeiros or Borei Nefashos, therefore one should only eat this food within a meal, or not eat the Shiur of an after blessing. Some Poskim[8], however, rule that if one did eat the correct amount then he is to recite Al Hapeiros. 

Legumes [i.e. chickpeas] and seeds [i.e. sesame]:[9] Raw legumes and seeds which have been ground into flour, then if they are not edible, they do not receive a blessing upon being eaten in their raw state.[10] If edible [i.e. raw flax or chia seeds], then their blessing is Shehakol and Borei Nefashos.[11] If one cooked the ground kernels or crop seeds [beans, rice, pees, sesame, buckwheat], then the food receive the blessing of Shehakol and Borei Nefashos.[12] Hence, all legume bread, legume crackers, and legume porridge from ground legumes is Shehakol. This applies even if the kernels are not finely ground and certainly if the kernels have been ground into flour. However, if the kernels have not been finely ground and hence course pieces of kernel flour remain, then Bedieved one fulfills his obligation with the blessing of Ha’adama, even though initially the blessing remains Shehakol.[13]

Five grains – Ground wheat:[14] Plain flour of the five grains is Shehakol. This applies even if it still has choppy pieces of flour and tastes like wheat. This applies according to all opinions as the main use of grains is for bread and hence while ground it loses its blessing.[15] If this flour is mixed with liquid [i.e. dough] and made into a dish, then it can potentially become Mezonos or Hamotzi depending on how it is made [i.e. boiled versus baked] as we learned in length in chapters 8 through 10. If wheat flour is added to a very liquidy protein shake then its blessing is Shehakol, as we ruled in Chapter 10.

1. Mashed foods:[16]

All mashed fruits and vegetables which have not totally lost their original appearance retain their original blessing of Haeitz or Ha’adama.

Legumes:[17] Whole legumes which have been cooked and then mashed using a spoon are Ha’adama, being that they still retain their appearance, and it is a common way of eating. However, if one mashes them using a spoon masher that contains perforations, then its blessing is Shehakol.

1. Cooked and disintegrated foods:[18]

Fruits or vegetables which have disintegrated due to cooking and are thus no longer recognizable are disputed as to their blessing and practically they receive the blessing of Shehakol, if this is not the common way of eating them, just as we concluded above regarding ground fruits and vegetables. If the fruits are still partially recognizable then they retain their original blessing, of Haeitz or Ha’adama. If, however, one said Ha’adama or Haeitz he is Yotzei. Nevertheless, this only applies if this is not the normal method of eating the food. If, however, this is the normal method of eating the fruit, then it retains its original blessing.[19]

Fruits of 7 Minim:[20] If fruits of the seven species of Israel [i.e. dates, figs, pomegranate, olives, grapes] were cooked and completely disintegrated, then although their before blessing is Shehakol, as we concluded above, nevertheless, since there is doubt as to their after blessing, and as to whether it is Al Hapeiros or Borei Nefashos, therefore one should only eat this food within a meal, or not eat the Shiur of an after blessing. Some Poskim[21], however, rule that if one did eat the correct amount then he is to recite Al Hapeiros. 

Legumes and seeds:[22] Cooked whole legume kernels or crop seeds which due to the cooking have disintegrated to the point they are no longer recognizable are Shehakol.

3. List of foods:[23]
4. Apple sauce:

Some Poskim[24] rule that the blessing of apple sauce is Haeitz, as this is considered its regular method of eating and hence the fact that it is ground does not degrade its blessing.[25] However, other Poskim[26] rule regular machine ground apple sauce is Shehakol. However, hand grated apple sauce is Haeitz.

1. Chatzilim – Babaganush:

Eggplant dip or Babganush is Ha’adama as long as the pieces are still recognizable. If, however, the eggplant is machine ground, then the blessing is Shehakol.

1. Chumus dip:

The blessing for hummus dip is Shehakol.

1. Coconut Cookies such as macaroons:[27]

If made from finally ground coconut, then the blessing is Shehakol. If it contains chunks of coconut, then the coconut is Haeitz. If made from grated coconut, the accepted approach is to say the blessing of Shehakol.

1. Fruit Compute:

Cooked fruit retains the blessing of Haeitz if there are pieces of fruit inside. If however the fruit is ground in a blender, or disintegrated due to the cooking, then its blessing is Shehakol.

1. Fruit Leather – Apricot:[28]

Fruit leather that is made through flattening the fruit retains its original blessing of Haeitz. [Thus, real apricot fruit leather is Haeitz, as they have not totally lost their appearance as a fruit, and hence retain their blessing. However, if the leather is made by first grinding the fruit and then making the leather, then it is Shehakol.[29] Thus, all fruit roll up is Shehakol.[30]]

1. Ground sesame – Tehina and Halvah:[31]

Ground sesame paste, known as Tehini, is Shehakol being that this is not the Derech to eat it [plain, but rather only as a dip[32]].

1. Nuts:[33]

Ground nuts that have been turned into flour and have completely lost their form are Shahakol. [If however they contain pieces of nuts they are Haeitz.]

1. Mashed Potatoes:[34]

Mashed potatoes retain the blessing of Ha’adama because this is the common way of eating them, and their form is not entirely lost, giving them the same status as fruit leather.

Instant mashed potatoes: Instant mashed potatoes are Shehakol as the potatoes have been machine ground.

1. Mashed bananas:

Mashed bananas are Ha’adama if mashed with a fork.

1. Mashed Avocado:

Mashed avocado is Haeitz if mashed with a fork.

1. Peanut butter:

Smooth without pieces: Smooth peanut butter is Shehakol.[35]

Crunchy with pieces: Crunchy peanut butter is Ha’adama. [However, some Poskim[36] rule it remains Shehakol.]

1. Potato Chips:

Potato chips are Ha’adama; however, pringles are Shehakol as they are made of ground potato. [However, some say Ha’adama, as so is Derech.]

1. Silan – date honey:[37]

The blessing recited upon eating plane date honey known as silan is Shehakol and Borei Nefashos.

1. Bamba peanut corn snack:

The blessing recited upon eating Bamba is Shehakol and Borei Nefashos.

1. Potato Kugel and Latkes:[38]

Finely ground: If the Potatoes have been finely ground, then the Kugel is Shehakol [although some say Ha’adama, as is Derech[39]].

Grated: If the Potatoes have been grated to large strings, then the Kugel is Ha’adama.

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[1] Seder 7:22-24; Luach 10:23; Admur 202:17; Michaber 202:7; Brachos 36a; Ketzos Hashulchan 52:1; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:15

[2] See Seder 7:22; 7:10; Luach 10:24; Admur 202:17; M”A 202:18; Terumas Hadeshen 29; Maharik 43

[3] Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:22

[4] 1^st opinion in Seder 7:23; 202:17

[5] 2^nd opinion in Seder 7:23; 202:17

[6] Seder 7:23; 202:17

Admur brings a dispute and concludes that all crushed fruits are Lechatchila Shehakol since its not Derech Achilasam. However, certain ground foods may be defined as Derech Achilasam and its therefore Haeitz. Veztaruch Iyun as to what defines something as Derech Achilasam.

[7] Ketzos Hashulchan 51 footnote 3

[8] See M”B; Igros Moshe Y.D. 2:25; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202 footnote 84

[9] Luach 10:24; Admur 202:17; M”A 202:13; M”B 208:38

[10] Michaber and Rama 208:4 regarding roasted wheat and barley; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 205:5

[11] Seder 7:24

[12] Seder 1:10; 7:22 and 24; Luach 1:8-9; 10:24; Admur 202:17; 24; Michaber 208:8; Taz 208:11; Rif Brachos 26a; Rambam Brachos 3:10; Rabbeinu Yona Brachos 26a; Ketzos Hashulchan  51:4; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:21

[13] The law by coarsely ground, versus finely ground into flour: If the kernels have been ground to the point that they turned into flour [i.e. legume crackers or bread], then their blessing is Shehakol according to all opinions. If however they have been coarsely ground and hence pieces of the kernels still remain, then it is disputed amongst the Poskim as to whether the blessing on the cooked dish is Shehakol [1^st opinion in Seder 7:24; Luach 10:24; Admur 202:24] or Ha’adama [2^nd opinion in parentheses in Seder 7:24 based on opinion in Seder 7:22; Luach 10:24; Admur 202:24]. Practically, Safek Brachos Lihakel, and hence its blessing is Shehakol, although if he recited Ha’adama he fulfills his obligation Bedieved. [Seder 7:24; Luach 10:24; Admur 202:24; Rama 202:7; Teurmas Hadeshen 129]

[14] Seder 7:22-23; Admur 202:17; Michaber 208:5; Mamar Mordechai 208:6; Kaf Hachaim 208:21; Ketzos Hashulchan 52:3

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that crushed grains or course flour is Ha’adama. [Olas Tamid 208:3]

[15] Seder 7:23

[16] Seder 7:22; Luach 10:23; Admur 202:17; Ketzos Hashulchan 52:1

[17] Luach 10:24; Admur 202:17; M”A 202:13; M”B 208:38

[18] Seder 7:23; 202:17

[19] Seder 7:23; 202:17

Admur brings a dispute and concludes that all crushed fruits are Lechatchila Shehakol since its not Derech Achilasam. However, certain ground foods may be defined as Derech Achilasam and its therefore Haeitz. Veztaruch Iyun as to what defines something as Derech Achilasam.

[20] Ketzos Hashulchan 51 footnote 3

[21] See M”B; Igros Moshe Y.D. 2:25; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202 footnote 84

[22] Seder 7:22 and 24; Luach 1:8-9; 10:24; Admur 202:17; 24; Ketzos Hashulchan  51:4

[23] Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:16-20

[24] Birchas Hanehnin of Melbourne writes that apple suace is Haeitz based on that it is common to crush.

[25] Admur brings a dispute and concludes that all crushed fruits are Lechatchila Shehakol since its not Derech Achilasam. However some learn that regarding apple sauce it is Derech Achilasam and its therefore Haeitz. Vetzaruch Iyun as to what defines something as Derech Achilasam.

[26] Visein Bracha p. 409; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:17

[27] See Seder 7:22-23; Admur 202:17; Ketzos Hashulchan Halacha 1; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:22 footnote 122

[28] Seder 7:22

[29] Fruit leather is typically made as follows: Fresh fruit, like berries, apples, mangoes, or peaches, is blended into a smooth puree. Sugar, honey, or spices (like cinnamon) may be added for flavor, depending on taste. The puree is spread in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet or dehydrator tray lined with parchment paper. It is then dried slowly, either in an oven on a low heat setting or in a food dehydrator, until it becomes firm but still pliable. Once dried, the fruit leather is peeled off the parchment paper, cut into strips or rolled up, and stored for a snack.

[30] Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:16; 21

[31] Seder 7:22; Halacha 51:2

[32] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:22

[33] Seder 7:22

[34] Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:22

[35] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:18 that some say is Ha’adama although Minhag is Shehakol; Vezos Habracha p. 398 Hearah 10

[36] Vezos Habracha ibid in name of Rav SZ”A based on Admur Seder 7:22 regarding ground flour with pieces

[37] See regarding that the blessing over juice from a fruit is always Shehakol and Borei Nefashos: Seder Birchas Hanehnin 7:11; Admur 202:10; Michaber 202:8; Rambam Brachos 8:4; Brachos 38a; Ketzos Hashulchan 50:5; See regarding honey that oozes from dates: Shehakol: Michaber ibid; Rambam ibid; Brachos ibid;  Haeitz: Kaf Hachaim 202:60 in name of Bahag; Piskeiy Teshuvos 208 footnote 163; See regarding date honey of today which is made by boiling dates: Kaf Hachaim 202:60; Meir Oz 9:135

Background: It is a clear ruling that the juice from a fruit receives the blessing of Shehakol and not Haeitz and that this applies even for the juice of fruits from the seven species. Now, the Poskim explicitly rule that the same law applies regarding the honey of dates. Now, although we find some Poskim who suggest that perhaps date honey should be an exception and receive the blessing of Haeitz being that the Torah explicitly mentions it as one of the praises of Israe, nonethless, even if true, this only refers to honey that oozes from dates, and not the date honey made today known as Silan, which is made through boiling the dates in water and then dehydrating the leftover liquid, which case its blessing is Shehakol according to all.

[38] Piskeiy Teshuvos 202:20; Luach of Gadasi, Shulchan Aruch Hakatzer

[39] Luach of Rav Alyashvili