12. Wild fruits – The blessing on wild fruits and herbs:[1]

The blessing of wild fruits, such as wild apples known as crabapples[2], and wild pears[3] which are not very tasty, is Shehakol. This applies whether they are eaten raw or cooked. The reason for this is because such fruits are not of great enough significance to be elevated to the superior blessing of Haeitz.

Wild Almonds: The blessing of wild almonds are Haeitz being that they taste good even when they grow in the wild.

Wild herbs: The blessing on wild herbs is Shehakol as they are inferior to other Ha’adma products.

The opinion of the Arizal:[4] According to the Arizal, one recites the blessing of Haeitz on all fruits, even if they grow in the wild and are sour and inferior to regular fruits, and recites Ha’adama on all vegetables, even if they grow in the wild and are inferior to regular vegetables. [Many are accustomed to follow this opinion.[5]]

Sabras – Prickly pear fruit or cactus fruit:[6] Sabras, known in English as prickly pear fruit or cactus fruit, are Haeitz, as although they grow in the wild, they are a good tasting fruit.

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[1] Seder 6:5; Luach 9:5; 203:2 and 5; Michaber 203:4; Shibulei Haleket 160; Ketzos Hashulchan 49:13; Piskeiy Teshuvos 203:4

[2] These are the ancestors of modern cultivated apples. Wild apples are usually small, ranging from about 2–5 cm in diameter. They have a sharp, sour taste and are often used in jams, jellies, or cider production rather than eaten fresh.

[3] Similar to wild apples, wild pears are smaller, harder, and more astringent than commercial pears. They often have a gritty texture and are primarily used in cooking, preserves, or making pear cider (perry).

[4] Seder ibid; Luach 9:6; Admur 203:5; M”A 204:10; Arizal in Shaar Hamitzvos end of Eikev; Birkeiy Yosef; Shaareiy Teshuvah 203; Kaf Hachaim 203:15

[5] Shaareiy Tehsuvah ibid in name of Birkeiy Yosef ibid that so is the custom

[6] Admur 203:1; Birkeiy Yosef 202:1; Kaf Hachaim 203:6; Ketzos Hashulchan 49:19; Kerem Tziyon 6:8; Shevet Halevi 4:23; Yechaveh Daas 2:21; Piskeiy Teshuvos 203:4