Blessings On Fragrances, part two vol.2 no.13

As we introduced last week, prior to smelling an aromatic fruit one should recite a brocha - "...hanosein rei'ach tov bapeiros ." [Alternatively, some say "...asher nosan rei'ach tov bapeiros ". - see Mishna Brura 216 : 9] We will discuss this week the guidelines pertaining to this particular brocha .

1. In this context, the term "peiros - fruit" includes produce not only of trees but also of shrubs and plants [aromatic beans, vegetables, berries, etc.].
2. The "fruit" must commonly be eaten. A flower, even if edible, would therefore not qualify for this brocha . [The brocha to be recited when smelling a flower would either be "....borei atzei b'somim " or "...borei isvei b'somim " - see our previous issue.]
3. The brocha is only recited if one's intention while taking hold of the fruit included enjoying its aroma. If the only intention in picking up the fruit was to eat it, this brocha is not recited. This is true even if subequently, while holding the fruit, pleasure is derived from its aroma.
4. This brocha should be said even if the fruit is in a chopped, crushed, or cooked state. Accordingly, the Mishna Brura [1] rules that this brocha is appropriate for hot coffee grinds if they were taken in hand with intention to enjoy their aroma.

There is a debate among the poskim whether this brocha should be recited when smelling an esrog which, during the Succos holiday, is "dedicated" for its mitzva . To avoid this question it is best to avoid intentionally smelling the esrog on Succos itself.

[1] as interpereted by the Shoneh Halochos.

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