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If a plant / herb (grown in Eretz Yisrael) is used for its essence / aroma, must one first separate Terumah and Maaser (tithes) from it?

Does it make a difference if it is atype of plant which is usually used for smelling rather than eating?

Does it make a difference whether it was planted specifically for the use of smelling?

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One separates terumah and maaser from food (Mishna Maaser 1:1, MT Terumot 2:1). As such an herb which is used for essence/aroma/smell but can also be used for food (e.g., mint/nana) requires terumah and maaser (see e.g., here from dinonline).

I don't see one can take terumah and maaser from a plant used only for smelling (e.g., rhododendron, dogwood, wisteria and holly as suggested by @DanF) - after all terumot and maasrot were meant to be eaten (by Kohanim, Leviim, the poor, etc.) so one cannot give them something that can't be eaten.

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  • They probably all can be eaten. The question is about how much designation as food do they need. Rov users in the location? Intent of the farmer? The buyer?
    – Double AA ♦
    Commented Jun 22, 2018 at 15:51

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