Jewish Law
Jewish Law: What Blessing is Recited Over Fennel?
Curious about the proper blessings for fennel, both before and after consumption? Here’s all you need to know, including details on amounts that require a blessing.
For fennel, one recites the blessing Shehakol (first blessing)
After eating, recite the blessing Borei Nefashot (final blessing)
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The amount one needs to eat to be obligated in the final blessing (from "Daily Halacha" based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory):
For everything a person eats, they must recite a "first blessing" over it, such as the blessing "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz". Even if one only eats a small amount of a food, they are obligated to bless if their intention is to eat. (However, if one only tastes a food to adjust its seasoning, they do not bless it at all). Therefore, someone who chews flavored gum, even if swallowing only a very small amount, must bless for the enjoyment of the gum's taste. Similarly, one who drinks even the smallest drop of a beverage must bless it.
However, this only applies to the first blessing. The final blessing is only recited when one has eaten "a significant amount" of food. A significant amount, or the "olive's size" (Kezayit) measure, is twenty-seven grams, and for liquids, the amount is a "revi'it", which is eighty-one grams.
Additionally, the eating or drinking should occur within a timeframe for the amounts to combine. If someone eats a combined measure of Kezayit of bread over a whole day, crumb by crumb, they certainly cannot bless afterwards. Rather, one should eat a Kezayit portion within the timeframe of "Achilat Pras". The rabbis debate this timeframe, with some saying it is five minutes, while others suggest about seven and a half minutes (there are other opinions too). It is therefore advisable to always consume a Kezayit within four and a half minutes to fulfill all opinions, especially during Shabbat meals.
Regarding the final blessing on drinks, one must drink a "revi'it" of the beverage (eighty-one grams) in one go. If one pauses between sips, they do not bless afterwards at all. Hence, someone drinking soup with a spoon does not bless afterwards on that soup because they haven't consumed a "revi'it" in one go. Similarly, someone drinking hot coffee or tea does not bless afterwards because they cannot drink that amount in one go.
