Halacha: What Blessing Do You Say on Ketchup?
Curious about the blessings for ketchup—the initial and the final blessings? Find all the details here, including an explanation on the quantity required for the blessing.
- הידברות
- פורסם ט"ו חשון התשע"ז
#VALUE!
For the ketchup, recite the Shehakol (initial blessing)
After eating, recite Borei Nefashot (final blessing)
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The required amount of food to necessitate a final blessing (from "Halacha Yomit" based on the rulings of the late Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef zt"l):
For any food a person eats, one must recite a "first blessing," such as the blessing "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz." Even if one eats only a small amount of that food, a blessing must be recited, as long as the intention is to eat it. (However, if one only intends to taste the food to adjust seasoning and the like, no blessing is said.) Therefore, someone chewing flavored gum, although swallowing very little, must bless due to the enjoyment of its taste. Similarly, one who drinks anything must make a blessing, even if drinking just a single drop.
This applies particularly to the initial blessing, but a final blessing is only recited if one consumes a significant amount, defined as the "kezayit" measure, which is 27 grams, and for drinking, the measure is a "revi'it," which is 81 grams.
Additionally, the eating or drinking must occur within a period that allows the consumption to be considered as one. If a person eats a "kezayit" of bread throughout an entire day, bit by bit, it definitely does not allow for a final blessing. It must be eaten within the time span referred to as "the eating of a pras," with differing opinions about whether this is five minutes or approximately seven and a half minutes (and there are other opinions). Therefore, it is advisable to always eat a "kezayit" size portion (especially during Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to satisfy all viewpoints.
As for a final blessing on drinks, one must drink a "revi'it" of the beverage (81 grams) all at once. If there is a pause between sips, no final blessing is recited. Therefore, if one sips soup with a spoon, they do not say a final blessing on that soup, as they did not drink a "revi'it" at once. Likewise, when drinking hot coffee or tea, no final blessing is made because it cannot be consumed in one go.
