Squeezing Shemitta fruits
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Question
Is it permitted to squeeze fruits that are designated for juicing?
Answer
Regarding fruits and vegetables that are designated for squeezing, such as carrots, pomegranates, apples and the like, there is room for doubt whether it is permitted to squeeze them [for one could say that since this is the normal way to use them, this is not considered “sweat,” and although the reason stated in the previous paragraph – that this is regarded as crushing the fruit – does not apply here], and there is basis to be lenient. As for citrus fruits that are designated for squeezing, it is more straightforward that it is permitted to squeeze them.
Source
Squeezing fruits: see Mishnah (Terumot 11:3); Rambam (Shemittah 5:3; Terumot 11:2). The Chazon Ish (Shevi’it 25:32) permitted squeezing oranges. His reasoning is that although it is forbidden to make a beverage from food, because it becomes “sweat” and the body of the fruit is lost, here it is permitted because this is considered crushing the fruit, which is allowed since some of the body of the fruit also comes out. Therefore, even for those who are stringent not to crush fruit, even though nowadays it is common to crush it, in this case there is more room to be lenient. See also Azamerah LeShimcha (Shemittah, bulletin no. 3).
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