Halacha: What Blessing is Said on Garlic (Raw, Cooked)?
Want to know what blessing to say on garlic (raw, cooked) – the initial and concluding blessing? All the information is here, including an explanation on the quantity needed for eating.
- הידברות
- פורסם כ"ב חשון התשע"ז
#VALUE!
On the garlic (raw, cooked) we bless shehakol (initial blessing)
* * *
Required eating quantity to say the concluding blessing (from "Halacha Yomit" based on the rulings of the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef):
On everything a person eats, he must say an "initial blessing," such as "shehakol" or "ha'etz." Even if he eats only a small amount, he must bless on it, as long as it is eaten for consumption. (However, if it is only tasted to adjust seasoning, no blessing is said on this tasting at all). Therefore, someone who chews flavored chewing gum, even if he swallows very little, must bless for the enjoyment from its taste. Similarly, when drinking anything, a blessing is required even if it's just a single drop.
However, this is exclusive to the initial blessing; a concluding blessing is only said when one consumes a "significant amount." The significant amount for eating is a measure of "kazayit," i.e., twenty-seven grams, and for drinking, it's "riv'it," which is eighty-one grams.
Additionally, the eating or drinking must be within a time frame for it to be considered as one. For instance, if a person eats a measure of a "kazayit" of bread throughout the day, crumb by crumb, he certainly cannot say the Grace After Meals. The "kazayit" must be eaten within the time of "achilat pras," and there is a debate about this duration: some say five minutes, and others say around seven and a half minutes (with further opinions on this). Therefore, it is always correct to be cautious and eat a "kazayit" (especially during Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to satisfy all opinions.
Regarding a concluding blessing on a drink, one must drink a "riv'it" (which is eighty-one grams) at once. If there is a pause between sips, no concluding blessing is said. Therefore, those who eat soup with a spoon do not bless after drinking it, as they haven't consumed a "riv'it" in one go. Similarly, those who drink hot coffee or tea do not say a concluding blessing, as they cannot drink it in one go.
