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What Beracha does one recite on granulated cane sugar?
The Shulhan Aruch (O.H. 202:15) follows the opinion of the Rambam that the Beracha for sugar is Shehakol. The Mishna Berura writes that since there are varying opinions in the Rishonim as to the Beracha for cane sugar, B’Di’avad (after the fact), if one recited Ha’Etz (opinion of the Tur) or Ha’Adama (opinion of the Halachot Gedolot), one does not repeat the Beracha.
The accepted ruling is that on all forms of sugar, whether extracted from a cane or a sugar beet, we recite Shehakol. The Be’ur Halacha writes that even if one were to suck on the sugarcane itself, one should recite Shehakol.
According to some opinions, the Beracha for sugar is Ha’Etz or Ha’Adama. What is the explanation for these views?
The Tur writes that the Beracha for sugar from sugarcane is Ha’Etz. The sugarcane is a woody perennial stalk which has the status of a tree. Ordinarily, when juices are extracted from a fruit the Beracha changes to Shehakol. Nonetheless, in this case it remains Ha’Etz, since the main intent of growing the cane is for these juices. The Tur holds the Beracha is Ha’Etz, not only if one sucks on the sugarcane, but even if one eats granulated sugar.
The Be’ur Halacha explains the rationale of the Halachot Gedolot who maintains that the Beracha on sugar is Ha’Adama. Although sugarcane is a tree, it does not produce any actual fruit. Rather, the juices that are extracted are taken from the cane itself. Since there is no actual fruit, the Beracha is downgraded to Ha’Adama.
As noted the accepted Halacha is to follow the opinion of the Rambam and recite Shehakol on sugar.