Beracha on Tasting Food

Question: I frequently taste food while cooking. Should I recite a beracha?

Answer: Rambam (Berachos 1:2) states that one is not required to recite a beracha before tasting food. However, Rabbeinu Chananel (quoted by Tosefos, Berachos 14a) holds that one must recite a beracha, unless they spit the food out (see Tur OC 210:2).

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 210:2) rules that if one tastes less than a revi’is of food and spits it out, they do not need to say a beracha. There is, however, a difference of opinion as to whether a beracha should be recited if the food is swallowed. The Mishna Berura (210:19) explains that the Shulchan Aruch follows the opinion of Rambam, meaning that one would not recite a beracha regardless of whether the food is swallowed. The Rema adds that safek berachos lekula, in cases of doubt as to whether a beracha is necessary, the lenient approach is followed, as most berachos are derabanan.

However, the Mishna Berura (ibid., Shaar Hatziyun 210:30) notes that the Magen Avraham disagrees with both the Shulchan Aruch and the Rema, stating that a beracha should be recited if the food is swallowed. He suggests that one should avoid doubt by intending to eat and derive benefit from the food, thus making the beracha necessary. On the other hand, the Mishna Berura (210:13) acknowledges that if the food is tasted solely to check if it requires further seasoning, or to determine its taste once fully cooked, no beracha is required.

The Kaf Hachaim (OC 210:29) disapproves of spitting out food. He writes that a beracha should only be recited when tasting fully cooked food, in which case a proper bite should be taken. However, a beracha should not be recited if the food is still cooking.

In conclusion, it is preferable to avoid this issue by reciting a beracha on other food first. Otherwise, if one intends to enjoy tasting the food, they should take a proper bite and recite the beracha. If tasting merely to check the food’s readiness, then no beracha is necessary.