Halacha: What Blessing Is Recited Over Citrus Peels Coated with Sugar or Chocolate?
Curious about which blessings to recite over sugar or chocolate-coated citrus peels? Find all the information you need, including details on the amount of eating required.
- הידברות
- פורסם ט"ו חשון התשע"ז
#VALUE!
Over sugar or chocolate-coated citrus peels, one recites Shehakol (initial blessing)
* * *
Amount needed to bless after eating (from "Daily Halacha" by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef ztz"l):
For anything a person eats, they must recite an "initial blessing," such as the blessing "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz." Even if one eats only a small amount, they are required to bless, as long as they intended to eat. (However, if the intention was solely to taste it to adjust seasoning or similar, no blessing is necessary.) Thus, someone chewing flavored gum, even if they swallow very little, still must bless for the enjoyment of the gum's taste. Likewise, one who drinks anything should bless even if drinking just a single drop.
However, this rule applies to the initial blessing. The blessing after eating is only recited if the consumption was of a "significant amount," known as a "kezayit," which is 27 grams for eating, and for drinking, the required amount is a "revi'it," which is 81 grams.
Additionally, eating or drinking should occur within a timeframe that allows the portions to combine. If a person consumes a "kezayit" of bread slowly throughout a day, bite by bite, they certainly cannot recite Birkat Hamazon afterward. Instead, the consumption of a "kezayit" should be within the timeframe of "eating a pras." Rabbinic opinions differ on this timeframe, with some saying five minutes and others saying about seven and a half minutes (and there are other opinions too). Therefore, it is proper to always ensure consuming a "kezayit" (especially during Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to fulfill all opinions.
Regarding the blessing after drinking, one must drink a revi'it of the beverage (which is 81 grams) at once. If there's a pause between sips, no after-blessing is made. Therefore, someone sipping soup with a spoon doesn't bless afterward, as they haven't consumed a revi'it at once. Likewise, drinking hot coffee or tea doesn't warrant a blessing afterwards, as it can't be drunk all at once.
