Jewish Law: What Blessing Do You Say on Fruit Peels?

On the fruit peel we bless Borei P'ri Ha'etz (initial blessing)

* * *

Consumption amounts for the obligation of a final blessing (from 'Halacha Yomit' in the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory):

For anything a person eats, they must say an "initial blessing", like the blessing "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz". Even if eating only a small amount for consumption, the blessing is necessary. (However, if tasting just to adjust seasoning, no blessing is necessary). Thus, if chewing flavorful gum, even without swallowing much, you must bless for enjoying the taste. The same applies to drinking any beverage; even a single drop requires a blessing.

This obligation applies only to the initial blessing. A final blessing is recited only after "significant eating", which is quantified as the measure of "k’zayit", about twenty-seven grams, or in drinking, the amount of a "revi'it", which is eighty-one grams.

Furthermore, eating or drinking should occur within a timeframe that combines consumption together. Consuming a "k’zayit" of bread crumb by crumb throughout the day, does not qualify for a final blessing. The "k’zayit" must be eaten within the time of "achilat pras". Authorities differ on this period; some suggest five minutes, others seven and a half minutes (and there are other views). It is advisable to consume a "k’zayit" (especially during Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to satisfy all views.

For a final blessing on a drink, a "revi'it" (eighty-one grams) must be consumed in one go. If interrupted between sips, no final blessing is said. Therefore, one who eats soup with a spoon or drinks hot coffee or tea does not say a final blessing, as they cannot consume a "revi'it" at once.