The following Halochos are based on the Mechaber, Mishna Brurah and other Achronim in Siman 211
When eating different types of fruit the following Halocho’s apply.
You should make the brocha on one of the Shivas H’minim (olives, dates, grapes, figs and pomegranates) even if it isn’t whole (Sholem) and you prefer another fruit more (it isn’t Choviv)–Mishna Brurah 211:4 Chaya Odom.
If you have a few fruits from the Shivas H’minim then you should make the Brocha on what is mentioned first in the Posuk. This is the order olives, dates, grapes, figs and pomegranates-Shulchan Oruch 211:4 (this is only if they are all the same (complete, or incomplete) otherwise you should make the Brocha on a whole fruit [Sholem]) M.B. 211:4
Even if you are making Shechayonu on a new fruit, you should still make the Brocha, Boreh Pri H’eitz first on one of the Shivas H’minim.
If you do not have any of the Shivas H’minim then you should make the Brocha on the fruit you like best. However, if the fruit which you like best is not whole, you should make the Brocha on a whole fruit.
The consensus of the Poskim is that Choviv is defined as the fruit you prefer most often (Mechaber), not the fruit you prefer now (Rambam).
If you are also eating cooked/roasted whole wheat or a barley kernel you should eat that first ( because it is one of the Shivas H’minim) even though the Brocha you make on it is Boreh Pri H’adomah.
The order of the Brochos is as follows, H’motze, Mezonus, H’gafen, H’eitz or H’adomah (It is a question if H’eitz precedes H’adomah) and then Shehakol. You should make a Brocha on food before a drink. This order takes precedent over Sholem and Choviv.
A person is compared to a tree so Tu B’shevat is an appropriate time to be Mispalell for our special fruits (our children) and for the fruit of our hands (Parnoso).
By Harav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlita
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