Halacha: What Blessing is Said Over a Fruit Cocktail?
Curious about which blessings to recite over a fruit cocktail? First and last blessings detailed with explanations on portion sizes.
- הידברות
- פורסם ט"ו חשון התשע"ז
#VALUE!
For a fruit cocktail, if the majority is fruit of the tree, the blessing is 'Ha'etz'. If the majority is fruit of the ground, the blessing is 'Ha'adama' (first blessing)
At the end of the meal, the blessing 'Boreh Nefashot' is recited (last blessing)
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The required portion size to be obligated in a final blessing (from "Halacha Yomit" of the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, zt"l):
For everything one eats, a "first blessing" must be recited, such as the blessing "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz". Even if one eats only a small amount, they must recite a blessing, as long as they intend to eat it for consumption. (However, if one only tastes food to adjust seasoning, no blessing is recited at all). Therefore, someone chewing flavored gum, even if swallowing very little, must bless for enjoying the taste of the gum. Likewise, someone who drinks—even just a drop—should bless.
However, all of this refers only to the initial blessing. The final blessing is recited only when one eats a "significant meal," with the portion size defined as a "kazayit," or 27 grams. For drinking, the portion size is a "revi'it," which is 81 grams.
Additionally, the eating or drinking should occur within a timeframe where the consumption combines into one. If a person eats "kazayit" of bread over an entire day, bit by bit, they certainly cannot recite the Birkat HaMazon. Instead, the entire "kazayit" should be eaten within the timeframe of "eating a pras". Authorities disagree on this timeframe; some say it's five minutes; others say about seven and a half minutes (there are other views as well). Therefore, it's advisable to always consume a "kazayit" (especially during Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to fulfill all opinions.
Regarding the final blessing over a drink, one must drink a "revi'it" (81 grams) in one go. If one pauses between sips, no final blessing is recited at all. Therefore, if one eats soup with a spoon, no final blessing is recited because they didn't drink a "revi'it" at once. Similarly, drinking hot coffee or tea doesn't warrant a final blessing because it can't be consumed in one go.
