Halacha: What Blessing is Recited Over Zucchini?
Curious about the blessings for zucchini? Learn about the first and last blessings, plus the quantity required for consumption.
- הידברות
- פורסם ט"ו חשון התשע"ז
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For zucchini, the blessing is "Ha'adama" (first blessing)
After eating, recite "Borei Nefashot" (last blessing)
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The amount to eat to require the last blessing (from "Daily Halacha" by the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef ztz"l):
For anything a person eats, they must say a "first blessing," such as "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz." Even if one eats only a small amount, they must bless it, provided they intend to eat. (If someone only tastes the food to tweak its seasoning, they do not bless this eating at all). Therefore, if someone chews flavored gum, even if they do not swallow much, they must bless for the enjoyment of the taste. Similarly, someone drinking anything must bless it, even if it's just a single drop.
However, this is only regarding the first blessing. The last blessing is only recited after an "important eating," which is the measure of a "kezayit," meaning 27 grams, and for drinking, the measure is a "revi'it," which is 81 grams.
Additionally, the eating or drinking must occur within a timeframe where the consumption is continuous. If one eats a "kezayit" of bread throughout a full day, piece by piece, they certainly cannot recite the Birkat HaMazon blessing afterward. Instead, a "kezayit" must be consumed within the timeframe of "Achilat Pras." Rabbinical opinions differ on this timeframe, with some saying it is five minutes, and others suggesting it is around seven and a half minutes (there are other opinions as well). Therefore, it is advisable to always consume a "kezayit" (especially during Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to fulfill all opinions.
Regarding the last blessing for a drink, one must drink a "revi'it" (81 grams) in one go. If one drinks with pauses between sips, no last blessing is said at all. Therefore, if someone eats soup with a spoon, they do not recite the last blessing for that soup since they haven't consumed a "revi'it" in one go. Likewise, someone drinking hot coffee or tea does not bless the last blessing since they cannot drink it all at once.
