Peeled eggs, onions and garlic left overnight

Peeled eggs, onions and garlic left overnight:[1]

One may not eat peeled garlic or a peeled onion or a peeled egg which stayed overnight.[2] [One who eats this food enters himself into danger.[3]]

If the food was in a bag or container:[4] The above prohibition applies even if the peeled garlic/onion/egg are wrapped in a cloth and closed shut.

Leaving some of the peel or root and mixing with other foods:[5] If one left the root on the peeled garlic/onion, which is defined as the hair at the head of the garlic and onion, then it is permitted to be eaten. Likewise, if one left some of the peel [or shell] on the garlic/onion [or egg], it may be eaten. [In addition, mixing the garlic/onion/eggs with other foods also evades the issue, as explained in Q&A!]

 

Summary:
One may not eat an onion, garlic or egg that was left overnight completely unpeeled, and without its root, even if it was in a closed compartment.

Q&A on other exceptions

Mixing the peeled egg/onion/garlic with other foods:
Some Poskim[6] rule that the above prohibition only applies if the peeled egg/onion/garlic stayed overnight without being mixed with other foods. If, however it was mixed with other foods then it is permitted. Thus, if one adds oil or salt to the egg/onion/garlic, or mixes it into a salad or dish, it may remain overnight in its peeled state.[7] Practically, the custom follows this opinion[8], and so is accepted by all the Mehadrin Hashgacha’s.[9]

 

If an onion, garlic or egg stayed overnight may it be eaten if cooked?
Some Poskim[10] suggest that perhaps the prohibition only applies if one eats the food raw. If, however the onion/garlic/egg is cooked or pickled afterwards then the prohibition does not apply. [Practically, the custom is to be stringent.]

 

Does it help to wash the egg/onion/garlic three times if it stayed overnight?
Some Poskim[11] rule one may do so. However, majority of Poskim[12] negate this opinion.

 

Does the prohibition apply if one needs to peel a large amount many days in advance?
Some Poskim[13] rule the prohibition only applies when it is common to peel the item for right away use, however if one is peeling for mass production over the course of many days, then the prohibition does not apply.

 

Q&A on definition of egg/garlic/onion

One what species of garlic/onion does the prohibition apply?
Some Poskim[14] suggest that perhaps the prohibition does not apply to any species of onion/garlic which is so bitter that it is inedible on its own.

Chives/green onions:[15] The above prohibition does not apply to chives and green onions.

 

Does the above hazard garlic/onions apply to both cooked and raw onions/garlic?
The prohibition only applies if the garlic/onion was left overnight while raw. If, however the onion/garlic is cooked or pickled then the prohibition does not apply.[16]

 

Does the above hazard regarding eggs apply to both cooked and raw eggs?[17]
Some Poskim[18] rule the above hazard only applies to raw eggs. Other Poskim[19] however rule it applies to both cooked and raw eggs, and so is the practical custom. [This refers to a plain hardboiled egg. If however the egg was fried with oil, or mixed into a salad, then the prohibition does not apply.[20]]

 

Does the above prohibition apply to crushed onions/garlic/eggs?[21]
Yes.

 

Does the prohibition apply to egg powder and garlic/onion powder?
Some Poskim[22] rule that the above prohibition does not apply to powdered egg/garlic/onion.[23] Practically, so is the custom.

Q&A on “Overnight”

Must the garlic/egg/onion stay peeled over the entire night for it to be forbidden? What if it remained peeled for only part of the night?[24]
Some Poskim[25] rule that the peeled onion/garlic/egg is only forbidden if it passed the entire night, from Tzeis until Alos, in this state. Other Poskim[26] suggest that it is forbidden even if it only passed through part of the night such as if it was peeled at the end of the night.

 

Q&A on “leaving peel”

How much of the peel must be left on the garlic/onion/egg?[27]
Any amount suffices.

 

If the garlic/onion/egg was completely peeled/shelled does it help to place some of its peel/shell on it?[28]
Some Poskim[29] rule that it is valid. Other Poskim[30] rule that it is not valid.

_______________________________________________________________________________

[1] Admur Hilchos Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh Halacha 7; Rashbi Nidah 17a and Rashi there; Derech Eretz Raba 11; Kol Bo 118; Semak 171; Tosafus Shabbos 141a; Peri Chadash 116/9; Zivcheiy Tzedek 116/61; Ben Ish Chay Pinchas 2/14; Kaf Hachaim 116/92; Chofetz Chaim in Likkutei Halachos Niddah ibid; Divrei Yatziv 2/16; See Hakashrus 18/11-14

Other opinions: The majority of Poskim omit the above ruling from their Halachic works, hence implying that it is no longer relevant. [This ruling is omitted from the Michaber/Rama/Tur/Rambam; See Peri Hasadeh 3/61; Kav Hazahav 12; Igros Moshe Y.D. 3/20; Shevet Halevi 6/111] Some Poskim explicitly rule that in truth all the dangers of Ruach Raah written in the Talmud are no longer relevant today and it is not necessary to avoid eating such foods. [Rashal in Perek Kol Habasar 12, brought in Zivcheiy Tzedek 116/61 and Kaf Hachaim 116/92-93 as possible explanation for why people are not particular in this anymore today; Yabia Omer 2/7 that so also rules Hagahos Mordechai that it no longer applies; Shevet Halevi ibid that Min Hadin is permitted as rules Rashal] Some Poskim rule one may be lenient for the sake of a Seudas Mitzvah, such as Seudas Shabbos and the like. [Yaskil Avdi 8/4]

[2] The reason: As an evil spirit resides on them. [Admur ibid; Rashbi ibid] This evil spirit can cause one danger. [Rahsbi ibid]

[3] Rashbi ibid “He is liable for his life and his blood is on his own head”

[4] Admur ibid; Nidda ibid; See Rivivaos Efraim 3/495 and 4/51

[5] Admur ibid; Nidda ibid; See Hagahos Yaavetz, Aruch Laner and Likkutei Halachos of Chofetz Chaim on Niddah ibid

[6] Semak 171; Zivcheiy Tzedek 116/61; Ben Ish Chay Pinchas 2/14; Kaf Hachaim 116/92 and O.C. 505/1; Chazon Ish, brought in Hakashrus 18 footnote 53

[7] Hakashrus 18/12

[8] Ben Ish Chaiy ibid

[9] Badatz Eida Hachareidis and Landa provide Hashgacha to pre-broken eggs in cartons, used by bakeries, and instruct the factory to add sugar or salt to the eggs when they are broken and entered into their carton. [Teshuvos Vehanghagos 3/256 writes this is based on a directive of the Minbchas Yitzchak]

[10] Kaf Hachaim 116/93; See also Taamei Haminhagim Likkutim Tosefes Chaim that mixing it with spices help after the fact.

[11] Yad Meir 19

[12] See Hakashrus 18 footnote 57

[13] Igros Moshe Y.D. 3/20

[14] Kaf Hachaim 116/93

[15] Hakashrus 18 footnote 50

[16] See Kaf Hachaim 116/93; and previous Q&A regarding if the garlic/onion was mixed with other foods.

[17] See Hakashrus 18 footnote 50

[18] Beis Shlomo Y.D. 1/159

[19] See Darkei Teshuvah Y.D. 116/74; Shevet Halaevi 6/111; Hakashrus ibid

[20] Yaskil Avdi 7/44; Shevet Halevi ibid; Hakashrus ibid based on previous Q&A!

[21] Tosafus Shabbos 141a

[22] Beis Shlomo 1/159; Degel Efraim 28; Sheivet Halevi 6/111-5-7; Yabia Omer 2/7 based on Har Tzevi Y.D. 74; See also Kaf Hachaim 116/93

[23] The reason: As the food is no longer edible in its current state.

[24] Hakashrus p 428

[25] Divrei Yatziv 2/16

[26] Shevet Hakehasi 2, brought in Hakashrus ibid

[27] Admur ibid “Some of its peel”; Hakashrus 18/11 footnote 52

[28] See Hakashrus 18 footnote 52

[29] Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh p. 21 in name of Shevet Hamussar

[30] Olelos Moshe 28 in name of Maharsham

Was this article helpful?

Yes No

Related Articles

Leave A Comment?

You must be logged in to post a comment.