Halacha: What Blessing is Recited on Cashews?

On cashewsrecite the blessing Borei Pri Ha'etz (First Blessing)

At the end of the eating, recite Borei Nefashot (Last Blessing)

* * *

Portion size required for a last blessing (from "Halacha Yomit" by the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef ztz"l):

For any food that a person eats, they must recite a "first blessing," such as the blessing of "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz." Even if one eats only a little of that food, they must bless it, provided they intend to eat it. (However, if tasting the food solely to adjust seasoning or the like, no blessing is required.) Therefore, someone who chews flavored gum, even though swallowing very little, must bless the enjoyment of the flavor. Similarly, one must bless any drink, even if tasting just one drop.

This specifically applies to the first blessing, but a last blessing is only recited after consuming a "significant amount" of food. The significant portion size is a "kazayit," approximately 27 grams. For drinks, the portion is a "revi'it," which is 81 grams.

Moreover, the eating or drinking must occur within a distinct timeframe where all the consumption is considered one act. If someone eats a kazayit of bread over the course of an entire day, crumb by crumb, they can't recite the Birkat Hamazon afterward. The kazayit must be consumed within the time span for "achilat pras." Authorities dispute this span, suggesting either five minutes or around seven and a half minutes (with additional views existing). It's recommended to always consume a kazayit (especially on Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to accommodate all opinions.

Regarding a last blessing for drinks, one must drink a revi'it in one go. If there are pauses between sips, no last blessing is recited. Hence, when eating soup with a spoon, one doesn't recite a last blessing, as a revi'it isn't consumed in one go. Similarly, for hot coffee or tea, a last blessing isn't recited because it isn't possible to drink a revi'it at once.