Jewish Law: What Blessing is Recited Over Fennel?

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" 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 "olive's size" bread over a whole day, crumb by crumb, they certainly cannot bless afterwards. Rather, one should eat an "olive's size" 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 an "olive's size" 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.